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Max Dalby, born in 1920 in Driggs, Idaho, spent his childhood in Idaho, western Colorado and Salt Lake City, graduating from West High School in 1938. He received a bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University, a master's degree from San Diego State University and an Ed.D from Utah State University. He was the principal clarinetist in the early years of the Utah Symphony, and during three years of military service he conducted the 249th Army Ground Forces Band in the Canal Zone, Panama. Max was the instrumental music director of multiple high schools in California and Utah from 1946 to 1955, then moved to higher education to direct music at Weber College until moving to Utah State University in 1957. While there, he was coordinator of music education, director of bands, head of the music department, conductor of the USU Symphony Orchestra, co-founder and conductor of the Cache Chamber Orchestra, and founder and conductor of the USU Alumni Band.

Max married Betty Marler in 1941, and together they had 9 children. After Betty's death in 1992, he married Marjorie West Crow, a former high school band mate from Palisade High School in Colorado.

Throughout his career, Max gave thousands of private music lessons. He received the Distinguished Service Award from Utah State University, and in 1994, was named Utah State's "Alumnus of the Year." He served as president of professional organizations and as conductor, clinician and adjudicator in 25 states, Canada and Europe. The band room in the Chase Fine Arts Center is named in his honor.