Ryan Webber joined the faculty of Bemidji State University in 2017 as adjunct professor, where he directs the Symphonic Band, Pep Band, and teaches courses related to low brass. He received a Bachelor of Music in Trombone from the University of California, Irvine, and a Master of Music in Trombone from the University of Kansas. Conducting studies have been completed with Dr. Mathias Elmer, Dr. Paul Popiel, and Dr. Kevin Sütterlin.

Ryan became Music Director of the Heartland Symphony in 2019. Ryan is committed to performing music by living composers, and has given Minnesota or world premiere performances of music by Robin Butler, Quinn Mason, Jacob Shay, Allan Stephenson, and Lindsey Wiehl. As a committed educator, Ryan has worked with Lawrence Youth Symphony, Youth Orchestras of Kansas City, La Primavera Youth Orchestra, and Community Youth Orchestra of Southern California, and served as the BSU 11-12 Honor Band Conductor in 2024. In 2022, Ryan was invited to guest conduct Sinfonietta Memphis, one of the country’s leading period performance practice ensembles, and will return to work with the group in August 2024.

In addition to working with bands and orchestra, Ryan conducts musical theater and opera as well. During the summers, he serves as Music Director for Northern Light Opera Company in Park Rapids. Shows he has conducted include South Pacific, My Fair Lady, The Drowsy Chaperone, Pippin, Hello, Dolly!, Little Shop of Horrors, Chicago, The Old Maid and the Thief, A Hand of Bridge, The Telephone, and Gallantry. 

When Ryan isn’t performing, he enjoys sharing his passion for music with students of all ages. He has given pre-concert lectures for the Minnesota and Indianapolis Symphony Orchestras and has written program notes for ensembles of all sizes, including releases for Naxos. Since January 2023, he has written album reviews and conducted interviews for Film Score Monthly, one of the leading journals in film music.

Ryan is a member of the International Conductor’s Guild and College Band Directors National Association. Outside of music, he enjoys training for half marathons on the beautiful trails by Lake Bemidji, trying new restaurants, and spending time with his wife Miriam and dog Chewie.