Orien Dalley Collection

Collection

Identifier: MS-68

Staff Only

Scope and Content

This collection contains information on Finnish composers, and Dalley's time as a music student at the BAC. Included are performance programs relating to Dalley's academic and professional career, research on various Finish composers, and photographs of him performing as a student at the BAC, and in Finland.

Dates

Creation: 1920-1950

Access:

The collection is open and freely available to researchers during Special Collections hours.

Use:

The Orien Dalley Collection is the physical property of the Gerald R. Sherratt Library, Southern Utah University. Literary rights, including copyright, may belong to the authors or their heirs and assigns. Please contact the library for information regarding specific use of this collection.

Biographical Information

Orien Emil Dalley was born the last of nine children on 3 January 1902, in Alta, Teton, Wyoming to Nelson Bertelsen Dalley, and Mary Crosby Jones. As a small child, his family moved to Summit, Utah. Beginning in 1919, he attended the Branch Agricultural College in Cedar City, Utah, where he was known for his proficiency in violin. In 1922, Orien left Summitt to attend the University of Michigan to study music. Soon after studying in Michigan, Orien returned to Utah, and began teaching music, as well as became the director of what would become the Orchestra of Southern Utah.

In 1926, he again left for Michigan, but returned to Iron County often to continue performing and teaching music in the area.

After his arrival in Michigan, he was instrumental in helping to establish the National High School Orchestra. This is where he first met Gretchen Smoot, a cellist from Bloomington, IL. Soon after, Gretchen went on to attend the University of Wisconsin where she and Orien were eventually married in 1933.

Before and after their marriage, Orien's teaching career included teaching positions at the University of Wisconsin, Emporia State University, and finally at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor where he served as Orchestra Director. During this time, he was appointed the first conductor of the Wichita Symphony, until 1949.

During his time in Michigan, Orien was involved in community and outside volunteer work. He taught violin at Interlochen and directed the University of Michigan musical organizations. For many years, he was closely associated with the National Music Camp by serving on its faculty. Orien retired from the University of Michigan as Emeritus Associate professor of Education. Because of his extensive work at the University of Michigan, Orien Dalley was inducted into the Frank A. Beach Hall of Distinction on April 25, 1996.

He died on 3 February 1999, in Napa, Napa, California, United States, at the age of 97, and was buried in Summit City Cemetery, Summit, Iron, Utah, United States.

Extent

.2 linear feet : 1 box

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Arrangement

No arrangement order can be found.

Accession Information:

As of September 26, 2024, no accession documentation can be found at this time. A brief meeting outline from November 7, 1988 has been found, outlining the processes and agreements established for the care of the collection. It is assumed the collection was acquired near or at that time.

Processing Information:

This finding aid was created by the Special Collections Staff, Gerald R. Sherratt Library. If print, oversize or other materials have been removed to be stored separately it will be noted.