Captain Courtney R. Lawrence is the Director and Executive Officer of “The Commandant’s Own,” United States Marine Drum & Bugle Corps. A native of Houston, Texas, she enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in August 2008. Following graduation as Honor Graduate from Recruit Training in Parris Island, SC, she completed Marine Combat Training at the School of Infantry – East and then reported to Marine Barracks Washington D.C. for duty with “The Commandant’s Own.”
Captain Lawrence has served in a variety of billets to include Euphonium Section Leader, Chief Music Librarian, Drill Master, and Hornline Instructor. She attended the Warrant Officer Basic Course at The Basic School, Quantico, VA in January 2019, and assumed responsibilities as Operations Officer and Assistant Director in June of 2019. She has served as the Executive Officer and Director since January 2022.
Captain Lawrence began playing piano at a young age, saxophone at age 11, and trombone at age 12. She attended Clear Brook High School in Friendswood, TX, and studied Music Education at the University of Houston, participating in marching, concert, and jazz ensembles. She was a marching member of the Colts Drum & Bugle Corps in 2003 and the Phantom Regiment Drum & Bugle Corps from 2004 – 2008, winning the Drum Corps International (DCI) World Champion title in 2008. She was a Brass Instructor with the Santa Clara Vanguard Drum & Bugle Corps from 2017 – 2019, winning the Jim Ott Best Brass Performance Award and DCI World Champion title in 2018. She has also served as a Brass Instructor with the Phantom Regiment from 2010 – 2014 as well as 2020 to present.
Captain Lawrence graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Music from George Mason University in 2015 and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Executive Leadership at Liberty University. She is an alumni member of Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity.
Her personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Gold Star (second award), and Good Conduct Medal (third award).