I'm the Music Teacher at Lower Milford, Hopewell and Liberty Bell. I'm just returning to teach Kindergarten, First, Second and Third Grades after teaching the past seven years at the Intermediate school. Prior to teaching at the IS, I was the music teacher at Hopewell for five years where I taught Kindergarten through Fifth Grade. Before joining the faculty here at Southern Lehigh in 2005, I earned my Bachelor of Music Education from Mansfield State University. While I was there, I was an active member of American Choral Directors Association, Music Educators National Convention, now known as the National Association for Music Educators, Pennsylvania Music Educators Association, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia National Fraternity. I have had a lot of teachers who touched my life as both a teacher and a student. Learning how to teach from professors such as Dr. Sheryl Monkelien, Dr. Peggy Dettwiler, Dr. Nancy Boston, and Dr. Douglas Crowder were some of the greatest learning experiences I could have had. In 2009 I completed my Masters Degree in Education and Curriculum at Moravian College. Since earning my degrees I also have studied organ and keyboard with Dr. Allen Birney, Choral Pedagogy under Dr. Joy Hirokowa, and Vocal Pedagogy under Mr. Brian Ming Chu. I also attend many music educator workshops such as the PMEA (Pennsylvania Music Educators Association) conferences and workshops, as well as Jazz workshops where I learned to promote the performance and education of jazz music under Dr. Renee Boyer. I have also attended Eastern Division Conferences for ACDA and the MENC, now NAfME, where I have seen performances from world renown performers and taken part in workshops with well respected Choral Conductors and Music Educators.Mr. Becker as Professional
Outside of school, I am a organist and choir director at a local church in my town of Catasauqua. In addition to this, I am a member of a non-profit choral group called the Camerata Singers. We perform major choral works such as, Brahm's "Eine Deutsches Requiem," Handel's "Messiah," Bernstein's "Chichester Psalms," Paul McCartney's "Ecce Cor Meum," and Mozart's "Requiem." When I am singing with the group, I am considered a Tenor One. That means I'm one of the guys in charge of singing all the high notes. Besides singing with Camerata, I'm am a member of their executive board, Tenor section leader, and am responsible for writing the finical grants which help to keep the organization going. In addition to the Camerata Singers, I sing and volunteer for other musical choral groups throughout the Lehigh valley as well as being active in NAfME (National Association for Music Educators), PMEA (Pa. Music Educator's Association), and ADCA (American Choral Directors Association). Being involved in these organizations helps me learn a great deal on how I can become a better teacher, and how my students can be the best learners they can be.
Mr. B's Life Outside School
Outside of school, I am one of two sons born to parents who are both teachers. My brother is a History Teacher in the Lehigh Valley. He attended the University of Iowa for his Degree on a full scholarship for Gymnastics. Go Hawk Eyes!!!! My dad retired in 2013 after 38 years of teaching Health and Physical Education in the Northampton School District. My mom retired in 2015 after teaching Pre-K at the Suburban North YMCA where she taught for many years. I live in the small town of Catasauqua with my cats Rudy and Ivy, and my two west highland terriers, Sampson and Angle. In my pastime, I go to music concerts, perform in local choirs, play piano and organ, watch movies, read, swimming and travel. I also love to be outside. As of late, I have also become a competitive swimmer racing in open water events. You will often catch me walking with my dogs or taking a nice jog through my neighborhood. During the summer, I love to travel. So far, I have been to several countries including Russia, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, and England. Ask me about my next trip you never know where I might be headed next.
