Al Wright Collection

Individual Collection name: Al Wright Collection

Repository name: Special Collections in Performing Arts,
Michelle Smith Performing Arts Library, University of Maryland

Type: Papers

Extent: 2 linear feet

Description: The Al Wright collection contains correspondence, programs, articles, and notes documenting Wright's career as Director of Bands at Purdue University between 1954 and 1981, and his involvement in a variety of wind band organizations.

Statement of provenance: Gift of Al Wright, April 2005.

SCPA shelf location: SCPA Collections Room, Aisle D

Access: Materials from this collection must be used in the Michelle Smith Performing Arts Library's Irving and Margery Morgan Lowens Room for Special Collections, 10 to 5, Monday through Friday. Please make an appointment with the curator.

Biography: The conductor, educator, and composer Al Wright was born in London, England, and attended public school in Pontiac, Michigan. He earned bachelors and masters 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, 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. He was elected President of the American Bandmasters Association in 1980, the same year that he received the 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.

Life Chronology:
1916            Born in London, England, 23 June
1933            Graduated High School, Pontiac Michigan
1937            B.A. in Public School Music, University of Miami
1939-1954    Director of Music, Miami Senior High School
1947            M. Ed., University of Miami
1946-1947    President, Florida Bandmasters Association
1949            Elected to American Bandmasters Association
1951-1953    President, Florida Music Educators Association
1953            Married Gladys Violet Stone
1954-1981     Director of Bands, Purdue University
1961            Founding President, National Band Association
1980            L.L.D (honorary), Troy State University, Alabama
1981            President, American Bandmasters Association

Series Arrangement:
Series I: Documents
Series II: Scores

Series Description:
Series I, Documents contains thirteen folders of programs, correspondence, lecture notes, and other materials documenting Wright's career as Director of Bands at Purdue University. The materials span 1905-1990, with the bulk of materials spanning 1963-1990. The folders retain Wright's original organization of these materials in binders, and are arranged chronologically.

Folder List
• List of all student officers in the Purdue University Bands, 1905-1979
• Seminar and lecture outlines prepared by Wright, 1963-1969
• List of Purdue University Band performances, 1965-1980
• Letters and other documents related to Purdue University Bands Operations, 1967
• Purdue University football pre-game and half-time show scripts and charts, 1972-1973
• Papers, contracts, correspondence, and programs regarding guest conductors and soloists who appeared with the Purdue University Bands, 1972-1978
  Three folders: 1972-1974; 1975-1976; 1978
• Papers regarding Wright's guest conducting, clinic performances, convention attendance, and international travels
  Five folders: 1977-1983; 1985-1986; 1985-1987; 1987-1988; 1989-1990

Series II, Scores contains one three-line score and a set of parts to Monument Circle, a quickstep march by Carroll H. Copeland dedicated "to the Purdue 'All American Marching Band.'" (Carl Fischer, 1961)