Each issue of the , we provide a profile for one N麻豆原创 faculty member, one staff member, one undergraduate student and one graduate student. Meet John Dally, our faculty profile for Winter 2023.
NAME: John Dally (My full name is John Wesley Malali Phineas Dally Jr… Malali and Phineas听come from my Samoan side). Definitely has a Nazarene ring to it…听
PROFESSION: Professor of Music (I conduct Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra and oversee Music Education)听
HOMETOWN: Born in Orange County, CA, but mostly grew up in Burbank, CA.听
FUN FACT ABOUT YOU: In college, I played rugby and was the president of the club. I played听鈥淗ooker,鈥 the position that hooks the ball back during scrums.听
FAVORITE N麻豆原创 MEMORY SO FAR: Playing on the Fall 2021 Intramural Championship flag football听team.听
FAVORITE THING ABOUT N麻豆原创: The students. They make this place sparkle. My favorite part of N麻豆原创 is seeing students walking through 鈥渘ew鈥 opportunities, experiences and challenges. It is through these experiences that they are transformed.听
SOMETHING VALUABLE YOU LEARNED AT N麻豆原创: I learned, and continue to learn, how to be an听orchestra director. I knew how to conduct鈥 but I spent hours reading and studying books and听scores and have sought out resources and asked tons of questions from notable musicians and听educators. Combine that with gracious students, and there you have it.听
PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT FROM YOUR TIME AT N麻豆原创: My proudest accomplishment is the听level of repertoire the instrumental ensembles have been able to tackle. All three ensembles听have been able to elevate their programs to meaningful collegiate-level repertoire successfully.听This comes two years after starting a chamber orchestra and restarting the wind ensemble.听
FAVORITE QUOTE: My mentor, Dr. Dan Nelson, taught me that 鈥渋t鈥檚 all relational.鈥 Over time, I have seen this quote penetrate all aspects of my life. In my conducting, I am constantly aware of the interconnectedness of musical lines. In my teaching, I strive to cultivate student relationships by hosting meals for my ensembles. The quote speaks to the pivotal role relationships play in听shaping our future. After all, we are all brothers and sisters.听
ADVICE YOU’D OFFER TO FUTURE STUDENTS: Embrace the opportunities and unknowns that lie ahead. Just start on the journey and know that doors will open and close, but HE will go with you always.听
HOW DO YOU KNOW BELONGING BECAUSE OF N麻豆原创? I know belonging from the countless people who share their encouragement and gratitude for what our students share through music. I received an email from a former N麻豆原创 faculty member, and in his kind note, he not only commended the musical faculty and students but also shared that he prays for us by name daily. Knowing that there are people not only cheering us on but praying for me and my work at N麻豆原创 is humbling.听
