This award honors individuals demonstrating exemplary teaching, lasting impact, and outstanding achievement in music education.
| Year | Recipient | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Richard Elliot | Newberg High School (Newberg) |
| 2007 | Russell Christensen | Sprague High School (Salem) |
| 2008 | Mary Lou Boderman | South Salem High School (Salem) |
| 2009 | Jim Howell | La Grande High School (La Grande) |
| 2010 | Patrick Vandehey | George Fox University (Newberg) |
| 2011 | John Hammond | Warrenton High School (Warrenton) |
| 2012 | Joe Ingram | Shasta Middle School (Eugene) |
| 2014 | Ike Nail | Western Oregon University (Monmouth) |
| 2015 | Mark Steighner | Hood River Valley High School (Hood River) |
| 2016 | John Hillan | Lowrie Primary School (Wilsonville) |
| 2017 | Dave Sime | Ridgeview High School (Redmond) |
| 2017 | Marcia Stevens | Corvallis High School (Corvallis) |
| 2018 | Chris Chapman | Oregon State University (Corvallis) |
| 2018 | Cinda Reeves-Snyder | Alder Creek Middle School (Milwaukie) |
| 202 | Ken Graber | North Bend High School (North Bend) |
| 2021 | Dijana Ihas | Pacific University (Forest Grove) |
| 2022 | Carol Stenson | Salem-Keizer School District (Salem) |
| 2023 | Robert Ponto | University of Oregon (Eugene) |
| 2024 | Kathy Briggs | St. Mary’s Academy (Portland) |
| 2025 | Andy Nelson | North Albany Middle School (Albany) |
The David Becker Outstanding Music Educator award is named to honor an individual whose passion, dedication, and leadership have left an indelible mark on countless students, educators, and communities.
Dave Becker 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 he helped create the Oregon School Activities Association’s State High School Band & Orchestra Championships.
Dave Becker’s impact goes beyond his extraordinary work as an educator—he has been a mentor, an advocate, and a true ambassador for music education, both here in Oregon and across the world. By naming this award in his honor, we not only celebrate the excellence of those who follow in his footsteps but also ensure that his legacy continues to inspire future generations.