Dr. Daniel Ackley has taught at the University of Wisconsin-Washington County since 1994 where he has led the University’s Moraine Symphonic Band, taught Western Music History, Music Appreciation and Literature, World Music, Jazz History, and Fundamentals of Music. He has earned his DMA in Music Composition and Conducting from the University of Wisconsin Madison. He was awarded his BFA and MM in Music Theory and Composition from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee.
His guest conducting gigs have included:
- The 2002 production of the Mirror Image Dance Academy's "The Nutcracker" by Piotr Ilych Tchaikovsky.
- The University of Wisconsin - Madison Symphonic Wind Ensemble.
- The University of Wisconsin Contemporary Chamber Ensemble.
- The Flyway Conference Honors Band.
- The Lakeshore Symphonic Band.
- The Slinger High School Band.
- He was chosen to conduct a doctoral composition dissertation at the UW in Madison in spring of 2000.
As a composer, among the places his music has been performed are Milwaukee, Madison, West Bend, and Slinger. He seriously doubts that it has been performed in back alley saloons, however.
As a performer, he has played with the Kettle Moraine Symphony Orchestra and the Moraine Saxophone Quartet.
Besides directing the River City Irregulars, Dr. Ackley also directs the University of Wisconsin-Washington County’s Moraine Symphonic Band, the Still Waters Church (Jackson) adult choir, and the Still Waters Children’s Choir.