Professional Biography

David M. Becker, Director of Bands at Lewis & Clark College since 1982, conducts the Wind Symphony, oversees wind and percussion activities, supervises student teachers, and teaches courses in music education, conducting, and jazz appreciation. He has also served multiple terms as chair of the department.

Becker has adjudicated or conducted over 200 music festivals in 19 states and Canadian provinces. His appearances as a conductor or clinician at state, regional, and national conferences include conducting several all-state bands. He is a former conductor of the Oregon Symphonic Band, Portland’s premiere adult band, and served for two years as acting director of bands at Oregon State University.

As music director of Oregon Ambassadors of Music, he has led nearly 1800 high school musicians on biennial European concert tours. He is a past president of the Oregon Music Educators Association, the College Band Directors National Association Northwest Division, and the Oregon Alliance for Arts Education. He was a founder and first president of the Oregon Band Directors Association and is currently chair of their Adjudicator Certification Committee.  He helped create and continues to be involved with the Oregon School Activities Association’s State High School Band & Orchestra Championships and is responsible for Oregon’s required band contest literature list.

This spring, he and his wife, Kathy will lead twenty-three Lewis & Clark students on their fifth overseas program. This biennial program, based in central London, focuses on the fine arts and was designed and first led by Becker in 1992.

He holds degrees from the University of Oregon and taught in the Oregon public schools at South Eugene, South Salem, Silverton, and Lakeview High Schools. He is a bassoonist and avid salmon fisherman.

Academic Credentials

M.M.E. 1975, B.M. 1971 University of Oregon