The Karl L. King Municipal Band of Fort Dodge is planning a special concert to celebrate this year’s Independence Day holiday. This concert will be held Sunday evening beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the historic Karl L. King Band Shell in Oleson Park. There is no admission charge, courtesy of the city of Fort Dodge.

An ice cream social, sponsored by the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, will start about 6:30 p.m. Homemade ice cream and fresh baked goodies will be available for purchase prior to and during the concert. Remember to bring along your own lawn chairs or blanket, since there is no seating provided.

Conductor Jerrold P. Jimmerson has planned an exciting evening of band music to “Celebrate Independence”. Also involved in the evening’s program is Dr. David Klee, assistant conductor. Conductor Jimmerson invites persons to “bring their small American flags to wave at appropriate times during this one hour tribute to independence.”

At 7:15 p.m., prior to the start of the concert, Mayor Matt Bemrich and Lt. Col. Michael Wunn (Iowa National Guard Public Affairs Officer) will introduce a delegation of visiting students and chaperones from Fort Dodge’s sister city in Kosovo, Gjakova. During the concert, the Band will perform “The Armed Man”, part of “A Mass for Peace”, dedicated by the composer to the victims of the Kosovo violence and struggle for independence.

Opening this patriotic concert will be John Williams’ “Liberty Fanfare”, written for the rededication of the Statue of Liberty in 1986. March music is always a part of every concert, and this week will include one of Karl L. King’s finest marches, “Emblem of Freedom”, and his lively galop, “Majestic”, along with John Philip Sousa’s “Glory of the Yankee Navy”.

Highlighting the program will be the exciting “American Salute”by Morton Gould. This selection is based on “When Johnny Comes Marching Home Again.” Also on the program is the moving Andrew Glover arrangement of “God Shed His Grace on Thee”, along with a new arrangement by Mark Williams of the familiar folk song, “Fantasy on Yankee Doodle”.

A trumpet trio will perform everyone’s favorite Leroy Anderson selection, “Bugler’s Holiday”. Trio members include Tim Miller from Humboldt, David Swaroff from Dayton, and Harlan Vande Berg from Fort Dodge.

Retiring State Representative Helen Miller from Fort Dodge will narrate the emotional “Within These Hallowed Halls”, with band accompaniment. This selection is based on two of America’s favorite hymns, “Amazing Grace” and “BattleHymn of the Republic”. Rep. Miller is currently serving her 8th term in the Iowa House of Representatives, representing the 9th House District. She has accumulated more than 30 years of experience and leadership as an attorney, legislator, mediator, legislative bill drafter, volunteer, arts educator, and board member of numerous organizations.

Miller is dedicated to the economic growth of her district. Legislation she crafted has led to the development of an ATV park in Fort Dodge (2003) and the funding of a fuel quality-testing laboratory at Iowa Central Community College (2006). She co-sponsored a House resolution calling for the completion of Highway 20, which passed the Iowa House during the 2003 session.

Her belief that economic development can be spurred by the arts has resulted in efforts to bring the message of the value of art and culture to the Statehouse. For seven years, she brought the Artful Dodger project exhibit to the Statehouse. In addition, she has organized and held legislative breakfasts to promote the arts and encourage legislators to consider and include the arts in any legislation brought forward.

The concert will close with America’s national march, “The Stars and Stripes Forever”by John Philip Sousa, followed by the playing of our National Anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner. In case of inclement weather at the starting time, the concert may be delayed or cancelled.