Al Wright bust joins Spotts outside Elliott

At a special ceremony prior to the Homecoming game on October 4, a bust of Director of Bands Emeritus Dr. Al G. Wright was unveiled before an assemblage that included Al and Gladys Wright, the 400 plus members of the Alumni Marching Band, the current “All-American” Band, and many family members and friends.

Wright era alums mobilized to make the bust a reality following the dedication of the Paul Spotts Emrick bust in 2000 in front of Elliott Hall.

Both the Wright and Emrick memorials were conceived, planned and funded completely by interested band alums, without the use of university or departmental funding. This makes the recognition that much more special because it shows how much these two men meant to those who served in their bands.

At the dedication of the Wright bust, Dr. David Leppla, speaking on behalf of the band department, underscored the time, efforts, and dedication to Purdue given by Dr. Wright that resulted in a great international reputation for the department. Don Daniel, speaking on behalf of the band alumni, emotionally remembered his time in the Purdue band program under Dr. Wright, and how much it had meant to his ongoing success and that of so many alums. Dr. Wright then spoke, expressing his gratitude not only for the recognition, but also for everything that his former students and those who came before and after had done to put the program on the map. He also noted that while many universities pay homage to past presidents and coaches, few recognize the many contributions of the band staff. Purdue is the only institution to have a “statuary park for band directors,” he told the crowd with pride.

Dr. Wright served as band director from 1954 to 1981. Following in the footsteps of the legendary Paul Spotts Emrick, he will be remembered, among other things, for creating the solo twirler positions especially the Golden Girl. His promotion efforts made Purdue’s top twirler known across the country. Under him, the band traveled extensively to Europe, Asia and South America.

Don Ingle, the same artist who sculpted Emrick, created the likeness of Dr. Wright. The Emrick bust was relocated to join Wright in flanking each side of the Band Key on the right side of the band entrance to Elliott.