Becker, Cecil Warren, 1923-2004
Person
Dates
- Existence: May 25, 1923 to November 23, 2004
Cecil Warren Becker was born May 25, 1923, in St. Maries, Idaho (see biographical information, Bx 1 Fld 1), and he died November 23, 2004, in Loma Linda, California (see DVD memorial service, Bx 1 Fld 4). Becker attended primary and secondary school in St. Maries. He was obviously quite gifted in music because following graduation from high school (see diploma, Bx 3 Fld 20) he was offered a scholarship to the Sherwood Music School. He turned down the scholarship and instead attended Walla Walla College, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in music (piano) in 1945(see diploma, Bx 3 Fld 21). He went on to complete both his master’s degree (1951) (see diploma, Bx 28 Fld 6) and his doctor of music arts degree in organ performance and pedagogy (1963) at the Eastman School of Music (see diploma,Bx 3 Fld 22).
Becker married Sophie Louise Andross on May 31, 1945. They adopted one child, Linda Louise, and had two sons, Steven Warren and Harold Andross (see photocopy of the photograph of the whole Becker’s family, Bx 3 Fld 11). He began his teaching career in 1945 at Pacific Union College, where he taught piano, organ, music theory, and was also the church organist. From 1956-1959 he chaired PUC’s music department(see photograph, Bx 3 Fld 9).
Becker joined the Andrews University Music Department in 1959, beginning a tenure that would span 35 years. At Andrews, Becker taught organ, music theory,music literature and history, and church music (see outlines, Bx 4 Flds 8-12). He would also direct the Seminary Chorus, and from 1986-1987, he chaired the Music Department. He is perhaps best remembered as the long-time organist at Pioneer Memorial Church. In 1970 Becker earned the “Teacher of the Year” award, and in 1973 he was selectedas an “Outstanding Educator in America” (Bx 3 Fld 23). In 1982, he was presented with the John Nevins Andrews Medallion (Bx 28 Fld 9), the highest honor given by Andrews University, and he also received the significant Charles E. Weniger Award for Excellence (Bx 28 Fld 8).
In 1979, he received a private grant for a two-year leave-of-absence from Andrews University to work with Dr. Harold Gleason, eminent American musicologist, revising the five-volume series, Music Literature Outlines, an important music referencework (see Bx 4 Flds 8-12). In 1997, the Beckers retired to Northern California, where theywere closer to their children.
Becker married Sophie Louise Andross on May 31, 1945. They adopted one child, Linda Louise, and had two sons, Steven Warren and Harold Andross (see photocopy of the photograph of the whole Becker’s family, Bx 3 Fld 11). He began his teaching career in 1945 at Pacific Union College, where he taught piano, organ, music theory, and was also the church organist. From 1956-1959 he chaired PUC’s music department(see photograph, Bx 3 Fld 9).
Becker joined the Andrews University Music Department in 1959, beginning a tenure that would span 35 years. At Andrews, Becker taught organ, music theory,music literature and history, and church music (see outlines, Bx 4 Flds 8-12). He would also direct the Seminary Chorus, and from 1986-1987, he chaired the Music Department. He is perhaps best remembered as the long-time organist at Pioneer Memorial Church. In 1970 Becker earned the “Teacher of the Year” award, and in 1973 he was selectedas an “Outstanding Educator in America” (Bx 3 Fld 23). In 1982, he was presented with the John Nevins Andrews Medallion (Bx 28 Fld 9), the highest honor given by Andrews University, and he also received the significant Charles E. Weniger Award for Excellence (Bx 28 Fld 8).
In 1979, he received a private grant for a two-year leave-of-absence from Andrews University to work with Dr. Harold Gleason, eminent American musicologist, revising the five-volume series, Music Literature Outlines, an important music referencework (see Bx 4 Flds 8-12). In 1997, the Beckers retired to Northern California, where theywere closer to their children.
Found in 6 Collections and/or Records:
C. Warren Becker Collection
Collection
Identifier: Collection 210
Content Description
The C. Warren Becker Collection consists of twenty-eight boxes. There is considerable biographical information (see Bx 1 Fld 1) and personal correspondence (see Bx 1 Flds 6-15). The letters, cards, plagues and expressions of gratitude and appreciation to C. Warren Becker are a significant testimony to his impact (see Bx 1 Flds 28-38 and Bx 26 Flds 1, 2). There are 23 recording tapes with organ music, dedication of the organ of Pioneer Memorial Church at Andrews University, interviews, and...
Dates:
Majority of material found within 1934 - 2004
C. Warren Becker Collection
Accession
Identifier: Collection 210
Dates:
Majority of material found within 1934 - 2004
E. E. Andross Collection
Collection
Identifier: Collection 129
Content Description
This collection contains many of Andross’ articles, sermon outlines, and several topical files including correspondence related to the revision of Uriah Smith’s Daniel and the Revelation. There is also a memo book with notes taken during his travels in Africa and Asia.
Dates:
1893 to 1926
E. E. Andross Collection
Accession
Identifier: Collection 129
Matilda Erickson Andross Papers
Collection
Identifier: Collection 130
Content Description
Matilda wrote extensively both for and about young people. This collection
contains articles and other materials related to the Missionary Volunteer program, as
well as a book manuscript, talk outlines, and the writings of other people collected by
Matilda. Before her marriage, Matilda published under the name Matilda Erickson.
After her marriage books and articles bear the name Matilda E. Andross.
Dates:
1907 - 1950
Matilda Erickson Andross Papers
Accession
Identifier: Collection 130