The Conductor of the Karl King Fort Dodge Municipal Band is Reginald R. Schive, with Keith Altemeier serving as the assistant conductor. Duane "Oley" Olson is the band’s announcer. Jerrold Jimmerson of Manson is the band's publicity chairman.
 

February 20

The first of three Winter Concerts by the Karl King Fort Dodge Municipal Band was held on Sunday afternoon, February 20, in the Iowa Central Community College Auditorium. This concert had a two-fold purpose.

First, it was a celebration of the birthday of Karl L. King, on February 21, 1891. Born in Ohio, young Karl grew to love and play band music. He ran away to join the circus at a young age, a decision that would influence his music for life. When he felt the need to settle down and raise his family, he was hired by the Fort Dodge band to become their director, an association that would last for 50 years until his death in 1971. During that time and still today, he is recognized throughout the world as one of the foremost composers of march and circus-type music.

This concert featured several of his selections, which are played in his memory each year at this time. They included: Phillipian Festival march, Robinson’s Grand Entree march, Circus Days galop, Ragged Rozey novelty, and New Corn Palace march.

Other selections on the program were Bombasto march by Farrar, Amazing Grace by Tichelli, Two Excerpts from the Pathetique Symphony by Tschaikovsky, and Rush Street Tarantella by Yoder.

The second purpose of this concert was to follow the cultural emphasis of Iowa Central Community College. Each year, the college chooses a country to emphasize their music, culture, traditions, heritage, food, clothing, etc. This year, the college has chosen to honor the people of China. The band in turn played musical selections like Ung-Kung-Foy-Yah by King, Dancing Under The Full Moon by Hua Yang, and the Chinese Folk Song Suite, arranged for band by Warren Barker.

March 14

The second in a series of three winter concerts by the Karl King Fort Dodge Municipal Band was held on Sunday, March 14. This concert was the annual Irish Concert, in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day on March 17. Many familiar Irish songs were performed, including everyone’s favorite, McNamara’s Band. Also on the program were Ireland: Of Legend and Lore, the beautiful Irish Tune from County Derry, Leroy Anderson’s popular song, The Minstrel Boy, Irish Interlude, and the Irish Brigade march.

Also featured were the marches, Invictus and University Of Chicago by Karl King, and Sousa’s Golden Jubilee March.

A special tribute was planned to commemorate the live of Duke Ellington, with the playing of his Black and Tan Fantasy.

In addition, the Harmony Brigade Chorus was featured. They performed a variety of music in their unique blend of barbershop harmony, entitled Back In The Good Old Days, which is always delightful to listener and performer alike. This group was under the direction of Stu Martin.

April 11

The final winter concert for this season by the Karl King Fort Dodge Municipal Band was held on Sunday afternoon, April 11. A special feature of this concert was the presentation of the Karl King scholarships. Several talented students auditioned during the day, and the winners weree announced during the concert. Two winners were recognized - a $500 scholarship to Iowa Central Community College, and a $1,000 scholarship to any 4-year Iowa college or university. The persons who auditioned were invited to perform in concert with the Band, with the winners invited to perform their award-winning performance.

Marches on the program included Flying With The Colors, by former director W. B. Green; and Kentucky Sunrise, Emporia Galop, and Alhambra Grotto, all by Karl King; and Colonel Bogey by Alford. Traditional band works will include American Overture for Band by Jenkins; Elsa’s Procession to the Cathedral from the opera, Lohengrin by Wagner; and Chorale and Shaker Dance by Zdechlik.

Popular selections will include Leroy Anderson’s Bugler’s Holiday, Melody ala King, by Alford; and Vincent Youmans Fantasy, as arranged for band by Paul Yoder.

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