About Becky
Becky began playing the piano when she was five, and her mom taught her to read and write music so she could write down her compositions. Her dad entertained Becky and her siblings with his funny original stories; she was always easily enchanted by the heroic exploits, the quirky twists, and the faraway places of fiction and folklore.
After a childhood filled with music in Minnetonka, Minnesota, and Old Greenwich, Connecticut, Becky went to Colgate University intending NOT to major in music because she had done so much of it already – but it didn’t take her too long to realize that being in the midst of music was the place where she felt the most at home. After graduation – speaking of home! – she moved to Brattleboro, Vermont. She immediately found the small town she had been looking for (though she hadn’t even known she was on a quest to find one!)
Becky moved to Portsmouth NH for ten years, and then returned to “hometown” Brattleboro with her husband and family in 1992 and has lived in the area ever since. In recent years, she has taught storytelling and music at Antioch University in Keene, directed musicals at the New England Youth Theatre and the Putney School, and taught elementary school music in many southeastern Vermont towns. Becky currently is the organist and choir director at the Second Congregational Church in Londonderry, Vermont, and directs two women’s choruses: Animaterra, in Keene, NH, and the Brattleboro Women’s Chorus, which she founded in 1996.
Accolades
Storyteller
Becky has been a favorite resident storyteller at our school over the years. She is one of only a few artists who has been able to work with our population of preschoolers through the primary grades. She has kept them entertained as well as actively involved in her combination of music and stories. It’s always a lot of fun when Becky’s around.
-Judy Boucher-Leidner, Eastman School, Concord, New Hampshire
Choral
I’ve had the distinct pleasure of singing in the Brattleboro Women’s Chorus for over ten years under the elegant, heart-ful direction of Becky Graber. Beyond her skills as a leader and master teacher, Becky also brings an indefatigable sense of humor, playfulness, and fun.
-Jen Bailes Hart, Brattleboro, Vermont
About Performance
Becky’s ability to connect with her audience is remarkable, indeed. She possesses a presence which is “magnetic.” She seems to become each person’s personal performer, each person’s mentor, each person’s guide, etc. – her connection with the audience is that strong. I heartily recommend any effort which will help to bring a teacher like Becky to more learners and audiences. She is truly an artist and a craftsperson who has much to share.
-Ron LaBrusciano, Core Faculty Member, Antioch University New England Education Department
Music
Whenever I’ve seen Becky direct, she does so with honesty, humor, thoroughness, passion, and love for music. These qualities inevitably permeate all those who participate, and thus, her passion becomes tenfold.
-Sue Owings, Brattleboro, Vermont
Library Shows
Becky’s ability to captivate her audience and keep them engaged is amazing, especially since we usually have a wide range of ages attending. Her stories and songs are orignal and interesting, and her enthusiasm is obvious. Becky is one of our first choices when booking a performer and is always a pleasure to work with.
Lindsay Bellville, Assistant Children’s Librarian, Brooks Memorial Library, Brattleboro, Vermont
Preschool
She can reach into a can of worms and pretty soon have them standing in straight lines, saluting her.
-Richard Graber, Becky’s father
~
Dear Ms. Graber,
I enjoyed everything but the most thing [that] amazed me was that you made everything lite up. And I hope you have more jobs going to schools.
Sincerely, Eric