Originally from Richmond, Virginia, S. Daniel Galyen directs the Panther Marching Band, conducts the Symphonic Band and Concert Band and teaches courses in conducting and marching band technique.

Galyen holds a B.A. in music education from Virginia Tech, a Masters degree in music education with a wind conducting emphasis from Syracuse University, and a Ph.D. in music education with a wind conducting concentration from the University of Florida. From 1995-2001 he was the Director of Bands at Northside High School in Roanoke, Virginia. Under his leadership the band program more than doubled in size, and both the Marching Band and Symphonic Band received consistent Superior ratings at state and local festivals.

In the Spring of 2005, Galyen was the recipient of the David Wilmot Award for excellence in music education at the University of Florida. He has published articles in The Instrumentalist, Research Perspectives in Music Education, Update: Applications of Research in Music Education, and The Music Educators Journal. He has been a presenter at music conferences in Virginia, Florida, Tennessee, Michigan, and Maryland. Galyen is active as a marching band drill designer for high schools and colleges in New York, Virginia, North Carolina, and Florida. He is also active as a guest conductor and clinician.

Prior to his appointment at UNI, Galyen was Director of Bands and Instrumental Music at Bridgewater College (VA), where he conducted the Symphonic Band and taught courses in instrumental conducting and music education.

Galyen is a member of Pi Kappa Lambda Music Honor Society, Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society for Education, Golden Key International Honour Society, Delta Epsilon Iota Academic Honor Society, and Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. He also holds memberships in The Music Educators National Conference, College Band Directors National Association, and the College Music Society, and is an honorary member of both Kappa Kappa Psi Honorary Band Fraternity and Tau Beta Sigma Honorary Band Sorority.

He currently resides in Cedar Falls with his wife, Kelley, and 22-month old daughter, Kate.