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.
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 joined the circus band 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 Mr. King’s selections, which are played in his memory each year at this time. They included: Carrollton and Bolivar marches, Fountain of Youth Overture, Big Cage galop, and his most well-known composition, Barnum and Bailey’s Favorite march.
Other selections included on the program were George Washington’s Birthday Party by Barnhouse, and Abraham Lincoln’s March by Goldman.
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 the Caribbean. The band played musical selections including Beguine for Band by Osser, Jamaican Folk Suite, as arranged by Harold Walters, Montego Bay by Nestico, and Caribbean Fantasy by Morrissey.
In addition, a special guest soloist was Stan Dahl, who presented music that reflects the artistry of the steel drum, a sound that is very characteristic of Caribbean music.
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