War March and Battle Hymn of the Vikings (Alfred Reed)

Mr King's Final Performance

Friends, I've watched this concert over the years many times, and it never fails to lift my spirits if I'm feeling down.

When I first digitized this a few months ago, I looked forward to this day when I could share it with all of you.

I have transcribed as best I could the address Mr. King gave before this last performance. Some of it was too quiet to be sure, but based on my memory of that night, I believe it's pretty accurate. I'll add that to the end of this.

The things that I hold closest to my heart about this night:

1. Just hearing my departed father's short little laugh after Mr. King's self-deprecating joke about losing his hair.
2. The incredible strength that Mr. King displayed -- not only that evening -- but throughout his year-long battle with cancer. His body was severely weakened, but as he rose his baton, he shook his fist to us -- and that to me displayed his desire to not only convey to us "let's play the hell out of this piece," but also in that briefest of moments, I think he showed us that the music within himself and within us was stronger than any physical limitations.
3. "War March and Battle Hymn of the Vikings." Are you kidding me? Who could possibly have scripted a more appropriate piece with a more appropriate title? Again, it was a perfect summation of his spirit that still lives within all of us. Every time I hear this piece I feel like sprinting up the highest mountain top, beating my chest, and shouting to the world that I can accomplish anything. It has always stood for my love of music, my appreciations for teachers like Dan King... and the pride I will take with me always, of having been a SVHS MIGHTY VIKING. - APB

Mr. King's address:

My first mistake was when I walked into Bobs barbershop and said take a little off the top. Naturally, I cant tell you how thrilled I am to be a part of this. It is certainly without question, a team effort.

Jay, please take a bow.

Lori Lindshield.

My daughter Connie

And its not news that its a team effort it always is. But the real team - -what really made it happen...are the kids. They could have made it absolutely impossible for anyone to teach, and thats what happens sometimes in these situations. But they didnt do that. They stuck with it, and it turned out really beautiful, and Im so proud of them. Thank you

Category:

Music

Tags:

• War
• March
• and
• Battle
• Hymn
• of
• the
• Vikings

[rockerdrummer92]

i was recently in the music storage room of our school looking through band pieces because i got a little bored and i saw this piece. it sounded so epic i needed to hear it, and it lives up to its expectations

[bowragon]

lol, we're going to perform this piece tomorrow night at 7:30 :) not a bad piece, i just get tired after the trumpet parts :P