2003 Winter Concert Series


February 23

This concert had a two-fold theme.  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, Woody Van’s march,  Fountain Of Youth Overture, Eclipse galop, Vision of Cleopatra, Mournful Maggie,  and his most well-known composition, Barnum and Bailey’s Favorite march.

The second theme 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 Costa Rica.  The band played Pan American march by Karl King, Zacatecas march by Codina, The Breeze and I from Andalucia by Lecuona, and La Paloma by Tobani.

Special guest soloist for this concert was D. Phillip DeLong, from Indianola, Iowa.  Mr. DeLong is currently the associate director of Bands at Indianola High School, and also a teaching artist of guitar at Drake University.  He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the University of Dubuque, his Master’s degree at the
University of South Dakota, and is presently a Doctoral candidate at the University of North Texas. He has given numerous solo guitar performances in both Iowa and Texas, as well as soloed with several symphony orchestras.
 Mr. DeLong’s teaching experience includes many years in the public schools of Northwest Iowa, and as a Teaching Fellow at the University of North Texas, where he was the university supervisor of student teachers.  He is also a
member of Pi Kappa Lambda honor society, Phi Delta Kappa educator’s society, and the Iowa Bandmasters’ Association.


March 16

This concert was 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 were Strains from Erin as arranged by Cailliet, Irish Patrol by Drumm, The Irish Brigade March by Casto, and the beautiful Irish Tune from County Derry as arranged by Percy Grainger.  Also performed were several other marches, including Bon Voyage March and Whippet Race Galop by Karl King, E Pluribus Unum by Jewell, along with the popular selection, The Bells Of St. Mary’s.

Dan Cassady, instructor of Music at Iowa Central Community College was the special guest soloist for this concert.  He will perform two selections on the trombone, including Serenade from The Student Prince by Romberg, and the traditional solo by Arthur Pryor, The Blue Bells Of Scotland. Also featured was Jerrold Jimmerson, Manson, who led the audience in a sing-along of traditional Irish favorites like When Irish Eyes Are Smiling and My Wild Irish Rose.


April 13

The final indoor concert for this season by the Karl L. King Municipal Band was held on Sunday afternoon, April 13, beginning at 3:30 p.m.  Mr. Altemeier will directed The Iowa Band Law by King; and The Star-spangled Banner.

During this special concert, the three applicants for the vacant Conductor’s position were introduced, and each was allowed to direct a portion of the program.  These candidates each had 25 minutes prior to the concert to rehearse the band, and were allowed to direct the band several selections of their choice, not to exceed 15 minutes.

Conductor candidates included Ross Leeper, Indianola, former King Band member and currently the High School Band director at Knoxville; Andrew Glover, Oskaloosa, former high school director in the St. Louis area, and currently with C. L. Barnhouse Publishing Company at Oskaloosa; and Jerrold Jimmerson, Manson,  currently a member of the King Band and High School band director at Manson Northwest Webster.

Mr. Leeper opened the program with The Liberty Bell by Sousa; and continued with Finale from Symphony in Bb by Fauchet; Panis Angelicus by Franck; and Beguine for Band by Osser.

Mr. Glover appeared next, and directed Emblem Of Freedom by King; Ye Banks and Braes of Bonnie Doon by Grainger; his own arrangement of Festive Dance from Faust by Gounod; Blue Tango by Anderson; and Prestissimo Galop by King.

For his portion of the program, Mr. Jimmerson chose Procession of Nobles by Rimsky-Korsakov; Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring by Bach; Rough Riders Galop by King; and The Home Town Boy, also by King.

Another 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.  Three winners were recognized - two $500 scholarships 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 join in playing a march during the concert with the Band, and the major scholarship recipient was invited to perform their award-winning solo.


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