American Bandmaster, Karl L. King

February 21, 1891 - March 31, 1971 Artist: Paul Rieffer - Alden, MN Location: Karl King Park, 424 Central Avenue Year: 2006 Dimensions: Lifesize Medium: Bronze statue with a concrete base Description: Circus musician, conductor and composer of over 300 band publications, including “Barnum and Bailey’s Favorite.” Director of Fort Dodge Municipal Band for 50 years. Respected and loved by the citizens of Fort Dodge, the state of Iowa and band musicians throughout the world. This statue has been over a year in the making and planning.  Rieffer has worked from numerous photographs to get the realistic details for which he strives.  In fact, he even worked with the actual uniform coat worn by Mr. King.  Rieffer first makes his sculptures in clay over a metal framework.  When the clay statue is right, a rubber compound is poured over it to make a mold.  The statue is then made of wax, using that rubber mold.  These wax pieces are then sent to a foundry to be cast in bronze.  Finally, the bronze pieces are then assembled to form the finished statue. Funded by: This bronze memorial is a gift to the city of Fort Dodge by the Rotary Club of Fort Dodge, members of the Karl L. King Municipal Band and patrons of the Arts who so generously support the Band. Website: http://www.karlking.us/municipal/06statue_mount.htm