Augustana selects Courtney Ridge as director of bands

Augustana College has appointed Courtney Ridge as director of bands beginning fall 2027. Ridge’s duties will include conducting the Augustana Symphonic Band, succeeding longtime conductor Dr. James Lambrecht, who is retiring in June 2027 after 39 years leading the ensemble.

"Bands have been a part of the life of Augustana College for over 150 years," said Dr. Jacob Bancks, professor and co-chair of music. "Following on James 'Doc' Lambrecht's outstanding decades of service, the Department of Music is delighted to welcome Courtney Ridge to our faculty. She is a high-level musician, a proven teacher and a collaborative artist. We look forward to seeing her leadership in action as the Augustana Symphonic Band begins its next chapter."

Founded in 1874 as the Silver Cornet Band, the Augustana Symphonic Band is one of the oldest collegiate wind ensembles in the country. The group has enjoyed a long legacy of musical excellence, most recently under the direction of Dr. Lambrecht, and celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2024.

“I am incredibly excited and honored by the opportunity to serve as the next director of bands at Augustana College," Ridge said. "It is a privilege to join a program with such a rich tradition and a strong legacy of musical excellence. I look forward to building meaningful relationships with students, colleagues, alumni and the Augustana community."

Ridge will receive her doctorate in wind band conducting in May 2027 from the University of Iowa, where she is the recipient of the Myron D. Welch Conducting Fellowship. There, she serves as instructor of record for University Band and the Iowa Pep Band and is director of the Iowa City New Horizons Band. Ridge is an active clinician and adjudicator across Iowa. 

Before arriving in Iowa City, Ridge served 12 years as the director of bands at Clarinda (Iowa) High School, where she managed all facets of the high school band program and co-taught the beginning band program. Under her direction, the Clarinda Concert Band was selected as the 2A performance band for the Iowa Bandmasters Association Conference in 2017 and 2022.

Ridge holds a B.M.E. from Drake University (2008) and a M.S. in education: K-12 educational leadership from Northwest Missouri State University (2015).