Truth in Jazz

Meet Marty Becker, Trumpet

Aug 01

Marty Becker - Trumpet

Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio.  Currently living in Leesburg, IN.

Education: BME from Morehead State University, Morehead Kentucky; MA Music Education and Trumpet Performance from Ball State.

Playing Experience: First Chair Trumpet at Morehead State University w/Symphony Band, Orchestra, Jazz Band, Brass Choir, and Marching Band Section Leader, Two years Trumpet with Lexington Philharmonic Orchestra, Second Trumpet with the Marion Philharmonic Orchestra, Cincinnati Civic Symphony, Cincinnati Community Orchestra, Cincinnati Youth Orchestra, Seventeen years with the Donn Smith Dance Orchestra, Sammy Kaye, Cliff Lash Band, Greater Cincinnati YMCA Band, Cincinnati Park Bands, Instructor for the Special Olympics Opening Ceremony Herald Trumpets, Maryland State Games Herald Trumpets, Truth In Jazz Big Band, Indiana Ambassadors of Music.  Forty years of experience in Music Education, having taught at all levels of Instrumental Music instruction from beginning band to college.  I have been an active Music Educator, Administrator, Professional Musician, Private Teacher, Conductor and Adjudicator.  I am presently a faculty member at Grace College School of Music where I teach music education method classes, conducting and direct the Grace College Community Wind Ensemble, I am also the director of the Lake Area Community Band, and I am a private teacher at Concord and Northridge Schools. I served on the Indiana State School Music Association State Board for eighteen years and served as President twice; I have also been active in the Indiana Bandmasters Association and served as President.

Career Highlights: Four years as Bugler at River Downs Race track in Cincinnati, Ohio. Performed trumpet on the Ruth Lyons/Bob Braun Show three times. Played three years with the Lexington Philharmonic.  High School Jazz Bands performed with Vince DiMartino and Clark Terry (3 times).  High School Band Director for 34 years. Seven times a State Concert Band Finalist. Received Phi Beta Mu   Outstanding Bandmaster Award in 1994. Twice president of the Indiana State School Music Association.  Also served as President of the Indiana Bandmasters Association.  Directed and instructed the Herald Trumpets in the Nationally Televised Opening Ceremony for the Special Olympics held in Notre Dame Stadium and also at the University of Maryland.  Currently teaching at Grace College in Winona Lake, Indiana.  Applied music instructor at Concord and Northridge Schools.

Why I Play With TIJ: I enjoy having an outlet to play my trumpet.  So much of my career has been spent conducting in front of groups, the opportunity to be on the other side of the podium is both rewarding and challenging. I enjoy the level of musicianship and difficulty of the jazz arrangements we perform.  It is always fun to bring enjoyment to an audience through the art of making music.

Category: Member Profiles, Trumpets
Tags: About, Marty Becker, Member, Profile, Trumpet, Truth in Jazz