After more than a decade of leadership, Alabama A&M University band director Carlton J. Wright is stepping away, closing a defining chapter in the history of one of the top tier HBCU marching bands in the country.Wright, who led the famed Marching Maroon & White since 2013, leaves behind a legacy built on growth, discipline, and student development.During his tenure, Wright expanded Alabama A&M’s band program well beyond the football field.He oversaw multiple ensembles, including the Concert Band, Wind Symphony, Jazz Band, and specialized groups in percussion, brass, and woodwinds. Under his leadership, the Marching Maroon & White grew to more than 200 members and gained national recognition for its precision and showmanship.“From the first day I arrived, we hit the ground running,” Wright said. “It’s been a great ride all the way through.”