Dr. Quintus F. Wrighten, Jr. named MGCCC Director of Bands

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College proudly announces the appointment of Dr. Quintus F. Wrighten, Jr. as the new Director of Bands. Dr. Wrighten, currently of Columbia, South Carolina, brings a wealth of experience and passion for music education to lead MGCCC’s Band of Gold.
“We are excited to welcome Dr. Wrighton to MGCCC as our new Director of Bands,” Dr.Mary S.Graham, MGCCC president, said. “His talent, experience, and leadership skills make him a perfect fit to continue the tradition of excellence for leading our Band of Gold. We look forward to the passion and perspective he brings to our college and community.”
As Director of Bands, Dr. Wrighten will oversee all aspects of the college’s instrumental music program, including conducting the concert band, directing the wind ensemble and jazz band, and leading the Band of Gold during halftime performances and campus and community events. He joins MGCCC after serving as Assistant Director of Bands and Associate Director of Athletic Bands at the University of South Carolina, a role he has held since 2021.
“I am thrilled to become a part of the MGCCC and Band of Gold family!” said Dr. Wrighten. “There is a strong history and excitement around the band, and I look forward to helping build upon it.”
Dr. Wrighten’s teaching philosophy centers around building meaningful connections between educators and students, emphasizing the development of lifelong skills and musical intelligence. “Teaching is a means of impacting culture,” he says, “and requires the educator to combine creativity, leadership, communication, and musicianship to foster growth and connection.”
Dr. Wrighten joins an already dynamic Band of Gold leadership team that includes Assistant Director Adrienne Cocco, Britney Patten, Dance Team Coach, and Haley Latimer, Color Guard Coordinator.
Dr. Wrighten holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Wind Conducting with a minor in Music Education from the University of Memphis. He also earned a Master of Music Education with a wind conducting emphasis from The University of Southern Mississippi and a Bachelor of Music in Instrumental Music Education from the University of South Carolina.
Over his career, Dr. Wrighten has served in both secondary and collegiate teaching roles, including as Director of Bands at Blythewood and Riverside High Schools, and as Interim Associate Director of Bands at the University of Memphis. He has conducted university bands, taught music education courses, and led large athletic bands, building a reputation for educational excellence, community engagement, and program development.