Composer, director, folk dancer, poet – these only begin to describe Max Exner. He began his extension career in NY prior to WWII, and moved to Ames, Iowa, where he served as extension State Music Specialist from 1947-1980. Exner conducted statewide leadership training for community, church and youth leaders in singing, music appreciation and folk dancing. He directed statewide festivals and led music and dramatic productions for several youth organizations and camps. Exner directed the Iowa State 4-H Chorus at the annual state 4-H boy’ and girl’ conferences.
Exner arranged eight popular 4-H songs and took The Chamber Singers of Iowa State to Chicago to record them. The resulting album, “Songs of the 4-H Clover,” was sold nationwide by National 4-H Supply Service in 1963. He also edited a companion song book. In 1968 he edited the revision of the National 4-H Songbook. His desire was to encourage singing at 4-H club meetings and events – especially 4-H songs. His compositions include the 4-H songs, “I Have Just One” and “There Is a First Time for Everything.” His anthem, “I Have a Dream” was approved by the Martin Luther King Foundation. Folk songs he learned while bicycling through the Alps appeared in songbooks, and his compositions have been printed by seven publishers.
