The Karl L. King Municipal Band of Fort Dodge, Iowa

June 15 program of The 2014 Summer Concert Series

June 15, 2014

The second concert of the 2014 Summer season featured patriotic selections to celebrate the June 14 Flag Day.  Marches included "Vanguard of Democracy" by Karl L. King, "Riders for the Flag" by John Philip Sousa, and former conductor W.B. Green's fine composition, "Flying with the Colors".


 
 

Many of the selections provided a slice of pure Americana, with a variety of patriotic and folk songs on the program.  The band performed Clare Grundman's collection of familiar American songs "Second American Folk Rhapsody", along with Andrew Glover's moving arrangement, "God Shed His Grace On Thee", based on America The Beautiful. 

This concert commemorated several milestones in America’s history.  In 1814, 200 years ago, Francis Scott Key watched in stunned silence as Fort McHenry took cannon fire from British warships.  He was so moved that he conceived his poem which later became the words to our national anthem.  The Band paid tribute to that event with "Broad Stripes and Bright Stars", by Robert Longfield, which includes several well-known songs from our country's early history. 

In 1864, 150 years ago, the first American soldier was laid to rest at what has now become Arlington National Cemetery near Washington D.C.   To commemorate that significant event in our history, the band performed "Arlington (Where Giants Lie Sleeping)" by Paul Murtha.

Persons attending this Sunday's concert brought small American flags to wave at appropriate times during the concert.  In addition, George Mack, a Jolley area resident, will be providing flags that he has donated.

There were plenty of opportunities to proudly wave the red, white, and blue during the hour-long concert.

To commemorate the 60th anniversary of the D-Day invasion in June 1944, the band performed the popular selection, "Homefront: Musical Memories of World War II", as arranged by James Christensen. 

Recognition was made to members from our military and their families with the playing of the "Armed Forces Salute".

Closing the concert was John Phillip Sousa's march, "The Stars and Stripes Forever".

The concert closed in the traditional way, with the playing of our National Anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner."

Thanks to Susan Swaroff for these photos.


See photos from the June 22 Concert
Today's Karl King Band the Karl King Page Online Photo Archive of Fort Dodge Bands