Bob Becker American-Canadian percussionist Date of Birth: 22.06.1947 Country: USA

1. Early Life and Education
2. Eastman and Wesleyan
3. Orchestral Performances
4. Nexus and Steve Reich Ensemble

Early Life and Education

Born and raised in Allentown, Pennsylvania, Bob Becker began his percussion journey under the tutelage of James Betz. Betz initially taught Becker on the marimba but soon expanded their lessons to include snare drum, piano, and music theory. After graduating high school, Becker left Allentown to pursue his musical studies at the Eastman School of Music.

Eastman and Wesleyan

At the Eastman School of Music, Becker studied under Warren Benson. He later enrolled in Wesleyan University's graduate program in world music, where he delved into the musical cultures of Africa, India, and Indonesia.

Orchestral Performances

Becker has performed with renowned orchestras under the direction of maestros such as Pierre Boulez (Ensemble Intercontemporain), Pablo Casals (Marlboro Music Festival Orchestra), Zubin Mehta, Seiji Ozawa, Christoph Eschenbach, and Michael Tilson Thomas.

Nexus and Steve Reich Ensemble

In 1971, Becker co-founded the percussion ensemble "Nexus." He also became a member of the Steve Reich Ensemble in 1973. With the ensemble, he earned a Grammy Award in 1999 for their recording of Reich's "Music for 18 Musicians."