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Bob Becker is a renowned classical music artist who has made significant contributions to the world of percussion. He was born on May 24, 1947, in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and grew up in a musical family. His father was a jazz pianist, and his mother was a singer. Becker started playing the drums at a young age and was soon drawn to the world of percussion. Becker attended the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, where he studied percussion with William Street and John Beck. He graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree in 1969 and went on to pursue a Master of Music degree at the University of Toronto. While at the University of Toronto, Becker studied with John Wyre, a renowned percussionist and composer. After completing his studies, Becker joined the percussion ensemble Nexus in 1971. Nexus was founded in 1971 by four percussionists, including Becker, and quickly gained recognition for their innovative performances and recordings. The group's repertoire included works by contemporary composers such as Steve Reich, Philip Glass, and John Cage. Becker's work with Nexus brought him international recognition and led to collaborations with some of the world's leading composers and performers. He has performed with the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra, among others. He has also collaborated with renowned composers such as Steve Reich, John Cage, and Lou Harrison. In addition to his work with Nexus, Becker has also pursued a solo career as a percussionist and composer. He has released several solo albums, including "Unseen Rain," "The Eternal Dance of Life," and "Perpetual Motion." His compositions have been performed by orchestras and ensembles around the world, including the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the National Symphony Orchestra of Mexico, and the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra. Becker has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. In 1999, he was awarded the Order of Canada, one of the country's highest honors, for his contributions to Canadian music. He has also received the Toronto Arts Award, the Banff Centre for the Arts National Award, and the Percussive Arts Society Lifetime Achievement Award. Becker's contributions to the world of percussion have been significant. He has helped to expand the repertoire for percussion ensembles and has inspired a new generation of percussionists. His innovative performances and compositions have pushed the boundaries of what is possible with percussion instruments. Today, Becker continues to perform and compose music. He is a professor of percussion at the University of Toronto and is a sought-after clinician and guest artist at universities and music festivals around the world. His legacy as a percussionist and composer is secure, and his contributions to the world of classical music will be remembered for generations to come.

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