Beloved Alumnus Elevated the Marching Maroon & White to National Prominence

After more than a decade leading one of the South’s most recognizable collegiate marching bands, Carlton J. Wright is retiring as director of bands at Alabama A&M University, closing a remarkable chapter in the history of the Marching Maroon and White.

Wright, a revered leader, mentor and educator, officially began his tenure on June 3, 2013. He has led a comprehensive band program that extended beyond the nationally recognized Marching Maroon & White to include the Concert Band, Wind Symphony, Jazz Band and specialized ensembles in percussion, woodwinds and brass. Under his leadership, he shaped the lives of the students who marched under his direction. 

“From the first day I arrived, we hit the ground running, and we haven’t stopped since then,” said Wright. “It’s been a great ride all the way through.”

Before returning to his alma mater, Wright was teaching at a Birmingham high school when he received the call that would bring him back to The Hill. Though leaving a position he valued was not easy, the opportunity to return to Alabama A&M fulfilled a long-held goal.

“I was in a great place in Birmingham,” said Wright. “But I always wanted to come back home to A&M. When the call came, I knew it was the right time and something I could not turn down.”

Wright, who earned his bachelor’s degree in music education from Alabama A&M in 1986, later received a master’s degree in music education from Hampton University. His educational journey and deep ties to the institution shaped a tenure rooted in mentorship, excellence and service.

Under his leadership, the Marching Maroon & White grew in size and stature, routinely exceeding 200 members and earning national recognition for its precision, musicality and showmanship — hallmarks of the HBCU band tradition.

The band has performed on some of the nation’s most prestigious stages, including in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, as well as the Honda Battle of the Bands, the Pepsi National Battle of the Bands in Houston and the Tournament of Roses Parade in California. The band remained a defining presence at signature events such as the Magic City Classic in Birmingham, the Circle City Classic in Indianapolis and the Gulf Coast Classic in Mobile, in addition to Southwestern Athletic Conference games and national television appearances, most recently including AspireTV’s “6 Minutes to Glory.”

“Being selected to perform in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2023 was a tremendous honor,” said Wright. “We spent a full week in New York, many of our students experiencing it for the first time, and it turned into one of the most memorable moments of my life.”

Wright said his work was always grounded in a tradition that long predates his leadership. He pointed to a lineage of influential band directors who helped shape the culture of excellence that defines the program today.

“The culture and the love for the University and for the Marching Maroon & White stood long before me,” he said. “We have a long history of band directors, from William P. Steele to W.C. Handy and others who helped build this program. That legacy and that love for the band program dates back to 1890, and it will never stop.”

Before publicly announcing his retirement, Wright chose to first share the news with his students — a moment that underscored the deep bonds built over years of shared experiences.

“For me, it’s always been about the relationship with the students,” Wright said. “They come in as freshmen, and to watch them grow all the way through — through long practices, cold weather, even the rain — everything we’ve pushed through together, that’s what I’ll remember most.”

When he delivered the news, Wright said the room shifted from shock to emotion.

“It was emotional for me, and for them as well,” he said. “Afterwards, we embraced, we talked and just shared that moment. It’s going to be hard to leave, but I know it’s time to pass the torch.”

Throughout his career, Wright emphasized student success as his most meaningful achievement, focusing not only on performance but on personal growth.

“I would hope they would say I was firm, but fair,” said Wright. “We tried to treat students the way they deserved to be treated. You can’t treat everybody the same, but you can treat them fairly — and sometimes being tough is part of caring about their success.”

That focus helped cultivate a culture that extends well beyond the field. Alumni continue to celebrate their time in the Marching Maroon & White, reflecting a program built on pride, discipline and lasting connection to the University. As he prepares to transition leadership, Wright said his priority is ensuring continuity for the students and the program.

“I want to ensure a smooth transition from me to the next director and make sure everything is lined up for the students," he said.

In reflecting on his career, Wright pointed to the long-term success of his students as his greatest reward.

“Seeing them come in as freshmen, walk across the stage to receive their degrees and go on to the careers they desire — that’s one of the biggest highlights of my career,” he said.

While stepping away from full-time leadership, Wright said he does not plan to step away from music entirely.

“I’m going to take some time to relax and spend time with my family, but I’ll still have my hands in music in some capacity,” he said. “Whether it’s consulting, working with band directors or adjudicating, I plan to stay involved.”

Even in retirement, Wright said his connection to the program — and the students who defined his career — will remain constant.

“It’s going to be hard to leave,” he said. “But it’s not goodbye. Alabama A&M will always be home, and I’ll always be a part of the Marching Maroon & White.”