Wright, Al G. (Alfred George James), 1916-2020

The conductor, educator, and composer Al Wright (b. 1916 - d. 2020) was born in London, England, and attended public school in Pontiac, Michigan. In high school he was recruited to play french horn in the band. He went on to earn bachelors (1937) and masters (1947) degrees from the University of Miami in Florida. While in Florida he served as director of the Miami Senior High School Band and Symphony Orchestra (1938-1954), co-directed the Orange Bowl half-time show, and served as President of the Florida Orchestra Association, the Florida Bandmasters Association, and the Florida Music Educators Association.

In 1954 he joined the faculty of Purdue University as Director of Bands, a position he held until retirement in 1981. Under his direction, the Purdue Band developed a show band style with a high step marching in intricate formations with twirlers and dancers. This led to high profile performances at Radio City Music Hall and tours around the world.

Throughout his tenure at Purdue, Wright continued to be active in professional associations. He founded the National Band Association (NBA) in 1961 and served as its President, Secretary-Treasurer, and HOnorary Lift President. He served as President, CEO, and Chairman of the Board for the John Philip Sousa Foundation. He founded the United States Collegiate Wind Bands.

He was inducted into the American Bandmasters Association in 1949. In 1980 he was elected President of that organization, the same year that he received an Honorary Doctorate from Troy State University. Wright has published more than 150 monographs and magazine articles, and his work on marching band shows is widely admired. Wright has published music under the name George Stone.