Marching Maroon & White's New Band Director

Huntsville, Ala. ---- A 1986 Alabama A&M University music education graduate will return to his alma mater as director of bands.

Carlton J. Wright has distinguished himself as a band director at a number of
schools, particularly in the metropolitan Birmingham, Ala., area.  For instance, he has served as band director at Minor High School in Adamsville, Ala.; Carver High School in Birmingham, Ala.; and Fairfield High Preparatory School in Fairfield, Ala. 

The band leader and Montgomery, Ala., native has led bands as an assistant director at Bottenfield Middle School, Adamsville, Ala.; Southlawn Middle School, and was assistant orchestra director and trumpeter at Sixteenth Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Ala.  Moreover, Wright has taught as an adjunct music instructor at Lawson State Community College.

“The AAMU Marching Maroon and White Band has enjoyed a long tradition of success,” commented Wright.  “My goal is not to lean entirely on our past successes, but to work tirelessly to build upon our tradition and to improve in every facet of the band program at A&M.”

Wright is also the recipient of numerous distinctions, including service as a guest conductor/clinician for the Jacksonville State University (Ala.) Honor Band; Talladega County Schools Honor Band; the Alabama Band Masters Association District 8 Honor Band; DeKalb County (Ga.) Schools Honor Band; University of Alabama at Birmingham Honor Band; Stillman College Honor Band; and the Mississippi State University Honor Band.  He has been honored as Teacher of the Year at three distinct schools.

Among his first tasks will be reaching out to the current band members, as well as those recruited by former interim band director Derrick K. Yates.  “I want to introduce myself, reassure them and let them know that we will be taking care of business and doing the things that will make us even better and prouder.”

Mentored by former AAMU band directors Arthur B. Wesley and Barney Smart, Wright adds that while he is excited to return as A&M’s new band director, his main goal is “to make everyone proud of the band” and to help train future band directors.

 

- Jerome Saintjones

 

 

Dancin' Divas

Fall 2013 auditions will be held June 7-8, 2013 at the AAMU ROTC Building starting at 4pm. For audition requirements and forms please click on the following link  >Audition Requirements