Histories

Cleon and Max Dalby Papers

Umbrella Collection name: American Bandmasters Association
Research Center

Individual Collection name: Cleon and Max Dalby Papers

Repository name: Special Collections in Performing Arts,
Performing Arts Library, University of Maryland

Type: Papers, photographs, programs, and newspaper clippings

Collection dates: 1911-1992

Extent: 3 linear feet; 3 boxes

Description: The Cleon and Max Dalby Papers contain materials primarily related to Cleon Dalby's career as a bandleader and music educator. These materials include scrapbooks of newspaper clippings and concert programs. The collection also contains a number of photographs, both of Cleon Dalby and the bands he directed.

Statement of provenance: Gift of Max Dalby, June 11, 1993.

Governing documents: Gift letter signed by Max Dalby.

Finding Aid: An unpublished finding aid is available in the repository.

SCPA shelf location: SCPA Collections Room, Aisle C

Access: Materials from this collection must be used in the Performing Arts Library's Irving and Margery Morgan Lowens Special Collections Room, 10 to 5, Monday through Friday. Please make an appointment with the curator.


Biography: Cleone E. Dalby was born in Levan, Utah, in 1894, and died in Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1978. He attended Bringham Young University, Ricks University, and the University of California, Berkeley. He also studied with Hy Lammers of the Sousa Band, and with William H. Bickett of San Francisco. Dalby made his career primarily as a music educator, but also performed on the trumpet. He organized many bands, concerts, and band competitions during his career. After leaving public school teaching, he taught privately for twenty-eight years. Dalby was an ABA member and was honored as a Trendsetter in Music Education in Colorado. For more information see Max F. Dalby, "Early History of School Bands in Western Colorado: The Legacy of Cleon Dalby," Research Paper 2294 (Accession 99-103-ABA).

Max F. Dalby, Cleon Dalby's son, was born on August 22, 1920 in Driggs, Idaho. He earned degrees from Brigham Young University, San Diego State University, and Utah State University. For four years he was principal clarinettist in the fledgling Utah Symphony, and during three years of military service he conducted the 249th Army Ground Forces Band in the Canal Zone, Panama. Dalby established the instrumental music program of the San Diego Diocese school system in 1946 and administered it until 1950.

Life Chronology (Cleon Dalby):
1894 Born, Levan, Utah
1913 Studied at Brigham Young University
1917 Married Ethelwynne Griggs
1918-1919 Served in United States Army
1919 Organized Utah State Industrial School Boys Band
1920 Began cornet study with Hyrum Lammers
1923 Joined teaching staff of Lammers Band School
1925 Opened Dalby-Griggs Music Store in Salt Lake City, Utah
c.1925 Begins organizing local bands
1978 Dies in Salt Lake City, Utah


Life Chronology (Max Dalby):
1920 Born, Driggs, Idaho, August 22
1942 Earns B.A. (music), Brigham Young University
1950 Earns M.A., California State University, San Diego
1951 Earns Ed.D., Utah State University, Logan
1957-1973 Earns Ed.D., Utah State University, Logan
Director of Bands, Utah State University
1979 Elected to ABA