Dan A. Ellis has been a friend and supporter of South Carolina music educators and of the SCBDA since he became the band director at Furman University four decades ago. His contributions to the school band movement in South Carolina are countless.

At Furman, he was instrumental in building the bands and instrumental music program into one of the most outstanding in the state. Mr. Ellis organized and hosted the first South Carolina Marching Championships in 1959. Through his efforts, Furman University has been the host of the All-State Bands for many years. 

Mr. Ellis has also been active and held offices in music organizations at the national level. His name is well known throughout the country as a judge and clinician. He is a charter member of Phi Beta Mu for which he was President. Mr. Ellis was awarded the Theta Chapter Outstanding Band Master Award in 1978 as well as the Outstanding Contributor Award in 1987.