James Ripley

James Ripley serves as Professor of Music and Director of Instrumental Music Activities at Carthage College, where he has held faculty positions since 2001. He conducts the Carthage Wind Orchestra, Carthage Band, and chamber winds ensemble AMATI, while also leading the Waukesha Area Symphonic Band since 2018. His professional affiliations include active membership in the College Band Directors National Association, National Association for Music Education, and the World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles (WASBE), where he served as immediate past-president.

His academic credentials include a D.M.A. in conducting from the Eastman School of Music, an M.M. in wind conducting from Northwestern University, and a B.A. in Music Education from Luther College. Prior to his university appointment, he taught for 11 years in Minnesota and Iowa public schools and served as assistant professor of conducting at Eastman School of Music, conducting the Eastman Wind Ensemble and University of Rochester's Symphonic Wind Ensemble.

Professor Ripley's research centers on wind music performance practices, conductor pedagogy, and community music building through instrumental ensembles. His work emphasizes music's role in social cohesion and student transformation from technical proficiency to artistic expression. As an active arranger and editor of wind ensemble literature, he bridges scholarly practice with performance, frequently appearing as guest clinician across North America and Japan.

His recognition includes the Carlo A. Sperati Award (2012) for distinguished service in instrumental music. Professional leadership extends through WASBE presidency and international collaborations including decade-long tenure as music director at Kurashiki Sakuyo University in Japan (2001-2011).

Mentorship forms the core of his educational philosophy, focusing on developing future music educators who cultivate students' emotional connection to music. His advising approach centers on the belief that 'music chose me to be a conduit for others to find the joy of music-making,' prioritizing student transformation from technician to musician.

He maintains active performance leadership through the Carthage Wind Orchestra and Waukesha Area Symphonic Band, while his family continues the musical tradition: wife Kathy serves as Band Director at Tremper High School, and daughter Jacy pursues a DMA in trumpet performance at Michigan State University.