Merle Danielson holds a B.A. Degree in music education from Bethel College, St. Paul, MN. and a Masters Degree from the Institute of Contemporary Music Education at the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN.

Mr. Danielson taught instrumental music at St. Joseph’s School, West St. Paul, MN from 1971-2008. During his tenure at St. Joseph’s band participation grew from a nucleus of 8 students in 1971 to as many as 220 some years later. Mr. “D’s” bands were always known as the middle schoolers that sounded like high schoolers!

Merle is also a performing trombonist. He is a regular performer with both the Classic Brass, Inc. brass quintet and the K.C. Gospel Orchestra, and is a substitute performer with the Encore Wind Ensemble.

Mr. Danielson has distinguished himself through a military career in music as well. He retired in 1996 after 27 years of world-wide performing and conducting assignments with the 451st Army Band, based at Ft. Snelling, MN.