Becker’s Musical Talent Earns FFA National Selection
For Culbertson High School junior Felixe Daniel Becker, October will bring two opportunities to share his love of music on a much larger stage.
The 16-year-old musician was selected for both the Montana All-State Band and the National FFA Band. It will be his first time participating in either group.
Becker will perform with the allstate band Oct. 14-16 in Bozeman before traveling to Billings to join the National FFA Band. He will then fly to Indianapolis, Ind., for the National FFA Convention, scheduled for Oct. 17-24.
The back-to-back events will make for a busy week, but Becker said he is excited about both opportunities.
Becker plays the euphonium, also known as the baritone. For his allstate audition, he submitted anonymous recordings of several required selections. Some featured quick tempos and technically demanding passages, while others tested musical expression and articulation.
“I think they’re both challenging in their own aspects,” Becker said of the fast and slow selections.
The National FFA Band audition process was slightly different. Becker submitted a video of himself performing a solo he previously played during his sophomore year. Unlike the all-state audition, the FFA selection allowed judges to see the performer. There are about 80 students from across the nation chosen for this honor.
Music has been part of Becker’s life for as long as he can remember. In addition to the euphonium, he plays keyboard in the school pep band and has studied both piano and violin. He took piano lessons for nine years and continues to prepare instrumental and vocal selections for music festival.
Becker is especially drawn to classical music because of its complexity. “It’s more technical and more challenging,” he said. Among his favorite composers are Ludwig van Beethoven, Johann Sebastian Bach and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Becker also credits his uncle Chris, a choir teacher who works with him individually, as one of his musical influences.
Outside of music, Becker keeps a full schedule. He participates in FFA, 4-H, Business Professionals of America and basketball, serves as the junior class representative on the student council and works as a football manager.
Becker is the son of Wendy and Kevin Becker and has two younger brothers, Oliver and Beau.
Felixe Daniel Becker photographed for his all-state band and national FFA accomplishments.
(Photo by Elizabeth Henrickson)
