Y alonda Wright of Milledgeville, Georgia lives for musical moments. The moments when musicians are in a group setting, playing well and harmonizing. 

She thought performing was her future, but volunteering and leadership opportunities have spotlighted a new path to the young star. 

“Having the chance to be that leader for somebody in music: helping them develop, seeing them grow and watching them amazed at the final product and themselves for doing it led me to this,” Wright said.

Entering as a music education major, Wright has already made an impact with her instructors. 

“She has a beautiful, clear sound, great technical control and a real ability to shape a beautiful melody,” said Dr. Andrew Allen, assistant professor of music. “Yalonda is very intelligent and an incredible young person of high character who will leave an extremely positive impact across campus in her time here.”

Trombone is her instrument of choice, but now that’s she entered the collegiate level of music, Wright wants to broaden her musical horizons. She hopes to learn new instruments, like piano, trumpet, flute or saxophone. 

She’ll also take advantage of the philanthropic and leadership opportunities Georgia College has to offer.
 
“No matter what I’ll be doing, I’ll be helping people,” Wright said. 

Though COVID-19 threw a wrench in her plans for high school competitions, Wright was still able to make district and all-state honor band. She was brass captain and a part of clubs like Beta Club and the National Honor Society.

While brass captain in marching band, Wright led her section. She made sure they had music, directed their sound and helped them correct their marching.

When she wasn’t leaving a mark on her band peers, Wright practiced helping others. She read stories to children, assisted with food and coat drives and helped prepare celebrations, including Teacher Appreciation Week.

Wright chose Georgia College for its closeness to home, interdisciplinary opportunities and its well-rounded music department. Since middle school, she’s had the opportunity to impress music faculty.

“Everyone here is willing to help me with whatever I need.” Wright said. “They want me to thrive, and they were excited when they found out I was coming here.”

But really, she added, she just wants to be an excellent music educator for her future students.

“After college, I want to have grown as a person,” Wright said. “A lot can happen from here to four years from now, and I would like to have grown into the best version of myself.”