Mrs. Dyane Jordan Wright, 2020-2021 Distinguished Alumnus Award Recipient

Dyane Jordan Wright is the recipient of the 2020 – 2021 Carlisle High School Band Distinguished Alumnus Award. She graduated from Carlisle High School in 1970 participating in the 1970 CHS Band European Trip on alto saxophone playing in the Concert Band, Marching Band and the Galaxies.

She was recruited by Paul B. Noble (tour director for that European trip) to Shenandoah Conservatory of Music, Winchester, VA as a Saxophone major. During her freshman year, she changed her major instrument to Bassoon and in 1974 graduated with a Bachelor of Music Education degree and a performance certificate on Bassoon. That year she was included in Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities.

Dyane Jordan & David Wright were married in 1974. She earned credits toward a Master of Music degree at The Catholic University of America while studying bassoon with William Polisi in New York.

Dyane won the national audition and was accepted into ‘The President’s Own’ The United States Marine Band where she performed for Presidents Ford, Carter, Reagan, HW Bush and Clinton on a regular basis at The White House with the Marine Band’s Chamber Orchestra as well as the Woodwind Quintet and Concert Band.

Dyane and David Wright were the first married couple in the history of the USMB and two thirds of the USMB Bassoon Section. Dyane was the 5th woman admitted into the ranks of The US Marine Band and became head of women’s uniforms where she designed and instituted the first dress uniforms for women to wear during pregnancy. This uniform allowed musicians to continue to perform with the band and orchestra instead of being assigned to administrative duties while pregnant.

Dyane retired from the Marine Band in 1995. She joined her husband, David Wright, who is a bandleader, vocalist and saxophonist in Wright Music & Productions, a Special Events Music Agency that provides professional musicians for Galas, Award Ceremonies, Corporate & Society Events in Washington, DC and elsewhere. She is assistant producer, office manager and head of client relations for Wright Music & Productions.

Presently Dyane produces a live concert series from September/May at Harmony Hall Arts Center, Fort Washington, MD. sponsored by Maryland National Parks & Planning Commission and special events at the Library of Congress.

Dyane and David Wright have 1 daughter, Lindsay Jordan Wright, PhD, Musicology.

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