He received the B.A. from Southeast Missouri State University, the M.M. from the Eastman School of Music, and the Ph.D. from Washington University. Danner's awards include the College Band Directors National Association Music for Young Band prize, vocal category and grand prize in the Delius Society composition contest, first prize in the Composers Guild composition contest, first prize in the Taghkanic Chorale composers competition, the Kentucky Music Teachers Association Composer Commission Award and the Louisiana Music Teachers Association Composer Commission Award.
He has been commissioned to write works for performance at various music conferences, including the International Brass Festival, New York Brass Conference, International Trumpet Guild, National Flute Association, and College Band Directors National Association. Recent commissions include works for the U.S. Air Force Band of Mid-America, the American School Band Directors Association, Tennessee Music Education Association, the Caixa Percussion Trio, and the Gateway Music Festival. Dr. Danner has received annual ASCAP awards for composition since 1989.
An active performer (horn), he has held positions with the Baton Rouge and Acadiana orchestras in Louisiana and has performed with the Huntsville (AL) Symphony, the Bowling Green (KY) Chamber Orchestra, Lake Charles and Rapides orchestras in Louisiana and the Saint Louis, Saint Louis Municipal Opera, and Webster Groves orchestras in Missouri. Dr. Danner is currently hornist with the Brass Arts Quintet, Lyric Trio, Bryan Symphony Orchestra, and Murfreesboro Symphony. He regularly performs on alto horn with the Jack Daniels Silver Cornet Band and is a freelance and studio musician in the Nashville area.