Mr. Ryan Wright is the two-time Grammy-nominated Director of Bands at South Lake High School, in Groveland, Florida, a position he has held since 2008. Mr. Wright holds a Master of Science degree in Music Education from Troy University, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from Rollins College, and Associate of Arts degree in Liberal Arts from the College of Central Florida. He has studied percussion under Beth Gottlieb, Danny Gottlieb, Bob McCormick, and Dr. Andy Harnsberger. Mr. Wright is a 2021 and 2022 Grammy Music Educator of the Year national quarterfinalist. He has previously directed bands and choirs at East Ridge High School and Dunnellon High School. His other professional experience over the last several decades includes instructing, composing, and designing for more than thirty schools throughout the southeastern United States. Mr. Wright has performed professionally as a drummer and percussionist with many organizations over the years including: Southern Winds, the Hernando Symphony Orchestra, multiple national convention performances, and freelance live performance and studio work. He has also worked with Magic of Orlando Drum and Bugle Corps, Heat Wave of Florida Drum and Bugle Corps, USF Brahma Percussion, Riptide Percussion, and Spitfire Percussion. He is also an adjudicator for various marching, concert, jazz, solo and ensemble events and circuits. His professional affiliations include: Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society, Percussive Arts Society, National Association for Music Education, Tri-M Music Honor Society, Florida Music Educators Association, Florida Bandmasters Association, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. Mr. Wright is an educator/endorser for Innovative Percussion Sticks and Mallets, Evans Drumheads, and Sabian Cymbals. Mr. Wright has also been a worship team member at Gateway Church since 2002. He has resided in Clermont since 2001, where he lives with his beautiful wife, Gina, and his two sons, Aidan and Lucah, and their miniature dachshund Hundley.