John H. Beck received his Bachelor’s of Music in 1955 and a Master’s of Music in 1962 from the Eastman School of Music. After 49 years of teaching, he retired from Eastman in 2008. He is now Professor Emeritus of Percussion there. He is also the retired timpanist of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra.  He is the Past President of PAS having also served as NY State Chapter President and Second and First Vice President as well.  As a composer, his works are numerous and published by leading companies.  He has recorded for CRI, Turnabout, Mark Records, and Heritage Records. Mr. Beck has written many articles on percussion and is the editor of Encyclopedia of Percussion.  His most recent publication is PERCUSSION MATTERS: Life at the Eastman School of Music (2011). He was inducted into the PAS Hall of Fame in 1999.