The first of three indoor Winter Concerts by the Karl King Fort Dodge Municipal Band was held on Sunday afternoon, February 24 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.  Born in Ohio on February 21, 1891, 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: Canton Aero Club march, Omar Khayam Overture, Homestretch galop, and his most well-known composition, Barnum and Bailey’s Favorite march.

Other selections on the program were Sabre and Spurs March by Sousa,  Amazing Grace by Ticheli, George Gershwin Highlights as arranged by Barker, and Sells Floto Triumph March by Jewell.

Two special features of the concert were the Clarinet section performing Clarinet Candy by Leroy Anderson, and a Dixieland Band playing the popular selection , Ja-Da.

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 chose to honor the people of India. The band in turn played The Princess Of India Overture by Karl King.

The second in a series of three indoor concerts by the Karl King Fort Dodge Municipal Band was held on Sunday, March 17, at the Iowa Central Community College Auditorium.

This concert was a the traditional Irish Concert, in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day.  Many familiar Irish songs were performed, including everyone’s favorite, McNamara’s Band.  Other Irish selections on the program included Strains Of Erin as arranged by Cailliet, The Irish Boys by Wiley, The Irish Brigade March by Casto, Irish Suite for Band by Spinney, An Irish Interlude by Barker, The Irish Washer Woman by Leroy Anderson, and Selections from Eileen by Victor Herbert.  Also scheduled were several other marches, including New Madison Square Garden and Majestic Galop by Karl King, Boys Of The Old Brigade by Chambers, and King Karl King by Fillmore.

Special guest soloist for this concert was Donna Schive, who led the audience in a sing-along on such traditional Irish favorites as When Irish Eyes Are Smiling and My Wild Irish Rose.

The final indoor concert for this season by the Karl King Fort Dodge Municipal Band was held on Sunday afternoon, April 14. Marches on the program included Yellowstone Trail, Prestissimo Galop, Broadway One-Step and Trouping Days, all written by Karl King; Flying With The Colors by former director W. B. Green, and Nobles Of The Mystic Shrine, by John Phillip Sousa.

Traditional band works included “Finale from Symphony No. 4 in F minor” by Tchaikovsky; Melody a la King by Alford; and Mississippi Suite by Grofe. On the lighter side was Michelle, a song recorded by the Beatles, and Oh, Lady Be Good written by George Gershwin.

Special soloist was director Schive, playing the Hoagy Carmichael classic, Stardust, on Alto Saxophone.  A Dixieland group was featured with the Band, playing The Original Dixieland Concerto.

A special feature of this concert was the presentation of the Karl King scholarships.  Several talented students auditioned during the day, and the winners were announced during the concert.