John Beck’s interest in music in healthcare began while he was president of the Percussive Arts Society. In 2018, his interest grew into a research study at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center using interactive group drumming with stem cell transplant recipients. In addition to teaching Afro-Cuban Drumming on campus, Beck is the school liaison to the Intergenerational Center for Arts & Wellness at Senior Services of Winston-Salem and Sophie’s Place Music Therapy Room at Brenner Children’s Hospital. He also coordinates faculty and student activities in the community to reach audiences who do not regularly attend performances in traditional theater settings.
Credentials
- UNCSA faculty member since 1998
- UNCSA Professor of Percussion 1998 - 2023
- UNCSA Coordinator for Arts & Health Partnerships 2023 -
- Performer with the Winston-Salem and Greensboro Symphony orchestras, Brass Band of Battle Creek and the Philidor Percussion Group.
- Former member of the United States Marine Band
- Former regular performer with the National and Baltimore Symphonies, Washington and Baltimore Operas and the Theater Chamber Players of the Kennedy Center
- Toured the United States as a xylophone soloist with the Jack Daniel's Silver Cornet Band, Brass Band of Battle Creek and the New Sousa Band
- Past President of the Percussive Arts Society and presents clinics endorsing Yamaha percussion instruments, Zildjian cymbals and Innovative mallets
Career Highlights
- President, Percussive Arts Society
- Soloist, Brass Band of Battle Creek
- Principal Percussionist, Winston-Salem Symphony
- Performed regularly with the National and Baltimore Symphonies and the Kennedy Center Opera
- Former Soloist, U.S. Marine Band
Awards & Honors
- League of American Orchestras Ford Award for Excellence in Community Service, 2018
- UNCSA Excellence in Teaching Award, 2006
Organizations
Education
M.M. with Performer's CertificateEastman School of Music
B.M.Oberlin Conservatory
