Karl L. King
Karl L. King’s distinguished career as a bandmaster, prolific composer and
musician made him a legend in his own lifetime. All who knew him remember his quick
wit and sense of humor.
Karl joined Robinson’s Famous Circus at the age of 19 as a baritone player. He
joined the circus world at a time when the acts were in great need of a special music
since the standard music did not fit. Karl King was a master at writing music to match the
rhythm of the acts. He quickly rose to leadership positions in some of the most famous
circus bands in the country, including the Buffalo Bill and the Barnum and Bailey. He
contributed more circus marches than any other composer. Aerial waltzes and circus
gallops were his specialty.
In 1920, Karl King gave up circus life and accepted the position of conductor of
the Fort Dodge Municipal Band, a post he held for over 50 years. Under his leadership
the band became a popular fixture at state and regional fairs, rodeos, and expositions.
King was the founding member of the American Bandmasters Association and the
Iowa Bandmasters Association. He played an important role in the Iowa Band Law,
legislation giving municipalities the right to levy a small tax to support a municipal band.
King was also one of the first to write special music for the growing school band
programs in America. He composed marches especially intended for school bands as well
The Essay on Music Today Just A Bunch Of Garbage
It's 4:00 pm and you just got home from school. You turn on the radio only to hear some media generated stuff banded together by some lame drum beats. This is unfortunetly, the music of today. Along with pop music and boy bands, alternative and rock music has , essentially gone to the pits. There's truly no other way to put it. The media has been spoonfeeding us talentless garbage and sell out's ...
as waltzes, overtures, and other selections. As a result, he was in wide demand as a
massed band conductor and contest judge.
When he finally put down his pen after 50 years, he had published 300 musical
compositions – not counting the ones he had given away or not bothered to publish. Many
of his works were written in tents by the light of a flashlight or kerosene lantern. He was
at his best when music was needed at a moment’s notice.
Karl L. King was honored with many prestigious awards: elected in 1962 to the
highest honor that can come to a band director, the Academy of Wind and Percussion
Arts, elected in 1966 to the Society of European Stage Actors and Composers, given in
1967 the Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity Distinguished Service
Award, and in 1971, the Edwin Franco Goldman Award (the first non-school band
director to receive this coveted award).
It is a testimony to his talents that so much of his music is still played today all
over the world. At his death in 1971, Karl L. King was one of the most loved and
respected figures in American music.
How to play this piece
This piece should be played with a clean and crisp articulation. The time
signature should be in cut time. This should be played basically how you treat all other
marches. For the speed and key signature and other information, please refer to the
music.
-DrSamuels
