×

King Band to celebrate Independence Day

The Karl L. King Municipal Band of Fort Dodge is planning a special concert on Sunday evening to celebrate America’s Independence Day holiday. Concert time is 7:30 p.m. at the Karl L. King Band Shell in Oleson Park. There is no admission charge, courtesy of the City of Fort Dodge.

Conductor Jerrold P. Jimmerson has planned a fun evening of music that is pure Americana. Also involved in the evening’s program is Dan Cassady, assistant conductor, and Paul Bloomquist, announcer. Conductor Jimmerson commented, “With July 4th being on Monday this year, this will be a great way to enjoy the long holiday weekend with a band concert of familiar patriotic music to celebrate our country’s independence.”

March music is always a part of every concert, and this week will include one of Karl L. King’s earliest marches, “Military Life,” and his lively circus galop, “Majestic,” along with Edwin Franko Goldman’s stirring march, “The Chimes of Liberty,” and Earl McCoy’s march, “Lights Out,” which includes the familiar bugle call “Taps” in the Trio.

Highlighting the program will be the exciting “American Overture for Band” by Joseph Willcox Jenkins. Jenkins spent several years as an arranger for the U.S. Army Field Band and the Armed Forces Radio Network. He wrote “American Overture for Band” in 1953, and dedicated it to the Field Band and its Commander. It his most famous work among more than 200 of his compositions. Also on the program is Ohio composer/arranger Kenny Bierschenk’s patriotic medley, “Let Freedom Ring!” with snippets of many familiar American classics.

A special performance of Leroy Anderson’s popular “Bugler’s Holiday,” always an audience favorite, will highlight the evening. Featured performers on this selection will include Tim Miller from Humboldt, David Swaroff from Belmond, and Micah Walsh-Levi from Fort Dodge. Contemporary American composer John Williams’ music will be included with “Hymn to the Fallen” from the Paramount and DreamWorks motion picture, “Saving Private Ryan.” Rounding out this concert of patriotic American music will be the “Salute to American Jazz,” America’s only true original art form. This medley includes such jazz standards as “A Night in Tunisia,” “St. Louis Blues,” “It Don’t Mean A Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing),” and “Birdland.”

The Independence Day concert always closes 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.”

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. Persons attending this concert are encouraged to proudly wear their red, white, and blue and bring small American flags to wave at appropriate times during this hour-long concert. In case of inclement weather, the concert may be cancelled at the starting time. Any announcements will be made on the band’s Facebook page listing for the Karl L. King Municipal Band at https://www.facebook.com/karlkingband/ or on the band’s website at www.karlking.us.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today