Leonard Falcone
Encyclopedia
Leonard Falcone was best known as Professor
of Baritone
and Euphonium
at Michigan State University
where he also served from 1927 to 1967 as Director of Bands
. The school's Spartan Marching Band
transitioned from an ROTC auxiliary to a nationally known Big-10 conference marching band during his tenure. He was a well known performer, lecturer, arranger and conductor. Scholarship endowments at Michigan State University
and Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp
as well as the Falcone International Tuba and Euphonium Festival
were established in his honor.
in Italy
in the Spring of 1899. Playing first Alto Horn
and also Violin
, Falcone became active in the local town band. He studied multiple instruments and conducting
under Maistro Donatto Donatelli of Naples
in his teens. At the age of 16, he followed his brother Nicholas who had emigrated in 1912, to the United States. There he enrolled in the University School of Music in Ann Arbor Michigan
, which would become the University of Michigan
School of Music years later, where he met many of his lifelong professional and personal colleagues and friends. Nicholas was to follow professor Wilfred Wilson as Director of Bands
at the school in the 1920s. Nicholas, who first hired his brother Leonard as a tailor’s assistant, having found work as a tailor and theater clarinet player, later hired him again to play trombone at the Ypsilanti Michigan silent movie
theater when Nick began conducting the pit orchestra
. Leonard Falcone proudly became a citizen of his adopted country in 1924. Two Years later, he would graduate from college with a degree in violin
.
, professor of wind instruments and Italian
.
As the programs grew and the Falcone brothers' own reputations as bandmasters grew along with, both brothers also competed as prolific arrangers of music for concert band. In 1935, Nicholas lost his hearing and for a year, until longtime UofM director William D. Revelli
was hired, Leonard commuted between East Lansing and Ann Arbor serving as Director of Bands
at both schools – the only person to do so at these schools which are historic rivals until the arrival of Kevin Sedatole, the current director of bands, who served as associate director of bands at the University of Michigan
previously.
Leonard Falcone did allow himself distractions from his work, enlisting in the military during WWII and also marrying Betty Beryl Cromer and starting a family. The Falcones had 2 daughters, Mary Beryl and Cecillia and raised their granddaughter Lisa.
During the 1940s, 50s and 60s, Falcone expanded the role and performances of the band
as well as establishing himself as a leading teacher and performer on baritone horn
(and euphonium
). Performances by the band at the White House
, the New York Worlds Fair and televised performances at the Rose Bowl parade
in 1954, 1956 and 1965, along with the multiple recordings of both the MSC bands
and Falcone on baritone
, would bring his name and music at Michigan State
onto the national stage.. He was initiated as an honorary member of the Gamma Epsilon Chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity at Michigan State in 1940.
Falcone retired in 1967 and Michigan State
bestowed an honorary doctorate on him in 1978. He remained Professor Emeritus of Baritone
and Euphonium
for the rest of his life. Falcone's career at MSU was pivotal in transforming a military auxiliary band of 65 into today's MSU College of Music with hundreds of students and tens of thousands of alumni.
owns the rights to these recordings and republishes them from time to time as students of Baritone
and Euphonium
still seek them out. He was regarded by some as the 20th century master of his instrument as Simone Mantia
had been regarded before him. Many of those recognized by the Falcone Competition
and other similar authorities as the current masters, either studied under, or under students of, Falcone. – Brian Bowman
, who acknowledged in an interview studying the recordings instead of studying with the man, being an oft-noted exception. His students include leading artists such as Roger Behrend, Earle Louder
and many others.
Falcone offered the facilities of Michigan State College for summer youth music camps for many years and later assisted the Stansel family with making the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp
a leading facility for the same. In 1941, at the urging of friends and colleagues in south-east Michigan
who had formed the predecessor to today's Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association in 1934, Falcone hosted the Band
and Orchestra
Festival at MSC. These festivals became an ongoing annual event and also include marching band
, solo
and ensemble festivals where thousands of Michigan
schools and students compete at regional and then, if qualified, state levels where they are adjudicated by experts in the field each year.
Falcone wrote, lectured extensively, and presented many clinics on band
technique and playing. He published lists of Euphonium repertoire
and conducted master classes and clinics at music education venues such as the annual midwestern music conference. He enjoyed working with young people at Blue Lake and also often worked with HS groups as both soloist and clinician - rehearsing the groups that he would then play with. Falcone continued to teach well after his official retirement in 1967 and maintained an office on campus until his death in 1985. Only months earlier, he had still been coaching a young student on Euphonium
, planning an Italian tour for an alumni band
, and working to arrange an oriental march for concert band
. While the march arrangement was never finished, the alumni band did tour Italy
the following summer.
which seeks to give a stage to new talent and future artists on his instrument and Tuba
. Each August, the festival competition welcomes masters of the instruments and new students alike to Twin Lake Michigan.
While still retaining some aspects of its military origins, the Michigan State University Spartan Marching Band
lives on in the modern form established by Falcone with most of its cherished traditions and values deriving from his 1927 to 1967 tenure. The band was and is nationally recognized for excellence and has been seen by millions through its many performances on television and at major events including performing for 5 sitting US Presidents.
Falcone left to the concert band
movement a wealth of arrangements of classical orchestra
l and opera
tic music that he adapted to the instrumentation and timbre of the band
as well as many military marches
from cultures around the world adapted to modern western instrumentation. Michigan State University’s marching band
continues to play its iconic version of the MSU Fight Song
, affectionately known to the band as “Falcone Fight.” During his tenure at Michigan State University, the fight song was a very dynamic arrangement, ever-subject to changes, as can be heard in the various recordings found throughout the University archives.. The Spartan Marching Band now recognizes a specific one of his many arrangements as "Falcone Fight". (However, it also plays another variation, "Pregame Fight" arranged by former SMB assistant director, William Moffit, for pregame performance and as an in-game celebration.)
Falcone published many articles, solo literature repertoires, and even a beginning baritone method in two volumes co-authored with Birmingham Michigan teacher Arnold Berndt and published by Belwin. His most enduring publication however has been the recordings which live on today in CD and mp3 formats in many places both with and without the permission of Michigan State University
.
His legacy to future musicians at Michigan State University
will continue to also include the Leonard Falcone Scholarship established by the alumni in 1967 and funded by many contributions as well as the proceeds from the legitimate sale of Falcone recordings.
archives.
Songs of Michigan State College, Recorded Publications Co, Camden New Jersey / RCA Victor, 1955 {Band and Men's Glee Club}
MSC Fight Song (Lankey / Falcone)
Spartan Toast (Coleman)
Michigan State Spartans
O Clap Your Hands
The Gallant Seventh (Sousa)
MSC March (Marsalis / Bibo)
MSC Shadows (Traynor / Finn)
Close Beside the Winding Cedar (Amici / Brown)
Michigan State University Band, Volume 1, LPS-1232 Fidelity Sound Recordings, Redwood City California
MSU Fight Song (Lankey / Falcone)
Funiculi Funicula (Denza)
Suite from Carmen (Bizet / Nicholas Falcone)
Stars and Stripes Forever (Sousa / Hershey Kay)
All America March (Taylor)
MSU Shadows (Traynor / Falcone)
March Electric (Creatore / Falcone)
Pines of the Appian Way (Respighi)
La Traviata, Prelude to Act 1 (Verdi / Falcone)
Gallito (Lope)
Michigan State University Band, Volume 2, LPS-1245 Fidelity Sound Recordings, Redwood City California
Army of the Nile (Alford)
Pepita Greus (Chovi)
Flag of Victory (Von Blon)
The Black Horse Troop (Sousa)
Noble Men (Filmore)
The Gladiator (Sousa)
Father of Victory (Ganne)
The Dover Coach (Vinter)
Puenteareas (Sautullo)
Moto Perpetuo (Paganini / Nicholas Falcone)
Inglesina (Dela Cese)
MSU's Leonard Falcone, Published by Michigan State University Spartan Marching Band Alumni in 1967 to raise funds for the Falcone scholarship
Michigan State University Concert Band at Birmingham Groves HS (Michigan) March 21, 1963, unpublished
Marche Millitaire Frances, (Saint-saens)
Carnival of Venice
Overture to Italian in Algiers (Rossini)
Corcoran Cadet March (Sousa)
March: Nobel Men (Fillmore)
Pepita Greus (Chovi)
MSU Shadows and Fight Song together (Traynor / Lankey / Falcone)
Michigan State University Concert Band at Midland HS (Michigan) April 22, 1960, unpublished
Procession of the Nobles from Milada (Rimsky-Korsakov)
Mannin Veen (Wood)
Jabberwocky (Walters)
Leonard Falcone and his Baritone, RE-7001 Golden Crest Records, Huntington Station, New York
From the Shores of the Mighty Pacific (HL Clarke)
Estrellita (M Ponce)
Bourree 1 & 2 form Suite 3 for Cello (JS Bach)
Beautiful Colorado (J DeLuca)
Atlantic Zephyrs (G Simons)
Piece en Forme de Habanera (JB Senaille)
Morceau Symphonique (A Guilmant)
Leonard Falcone Baritone Horn, RE 7036 Golden Crest Records, Huntington Station, New York
My Regards (E Llwellyn)
Una Furtiva Lacrima (G Donizetti / R Harvey)
Sentimentale (J DeLuca)
Concert Piece (PV De La Nux)
Allegro de Concert (E Cools)
Andante et Allegro (JE Barat)
Adagio from Concerto for Cello (J Haydn / D Shuman)
Napoli (H Bellstedt)
Leonard Falcone Baritone Volume II, RE-7016 Golden Crest Records, Huntington Station, New York
Concerto (G Magnan)
Tarantella (WH Squire)
Fantasia Original (Picchi-Mantia)
Premier Solo de Concert (F Combelle)
Platera (E Granados / L Falcone)
Le Cygne (C Saint-Saens)
Blue Bells of Scotland (A Pryor)
Michigan State University Presents Leonard Falcone, Baritone Horn Volume IV, MSU-8984 Crest Records, Huntington Station, New York
From the Shores of the Mighty Pacific (HL Clarke) Penn intercollegiate band, J Dunlop dir.(1962)
O Solo Mio (DiCapua)
Serenade (Schubert / Falcone) Penn intercollegiate band, J Dunlop dir. (1962)
Ave Maria (Bach / Gounod / Falcone)
Fantasie Original (Picchi-Mantia / Falcone) Royal Canadian Reg. Band, Capt. D Stannard dir. (1967)
Flower Song from Carmen (Bizet / AA Harding) Pontiac HS Band, D Harris dir.(1958)
Serenade (E Toselli)
Birmingham Seaholm HS Spring Concert, April 1961, Arnold Berndt directing, Leonard Falcone soloist, unpublished
From the Shores of the Mighty Pacific (HL Clarke)
Serenade (Schubert / Falcone)
Rehearsal of the Schubert Serenade
(This recording is also in the collection of the Birmingham Historical Museum (MI))
Professor
A professor is a scholarly teacher; the precise meaning of the term varies by country. Literally, professor derives from Latin as a "person who professes" being usually an expert in arts or sciences; a teacher of high rank...
of Baritone
Baritone horn
The baritone horn is a member of the brass instrument family. The baritone horn has a predominantly cylindrical bore as do the trumpet and trombone. A baritone horn uses a large mouthpiece much like those of a trombone or euphonium, although it is a bit smaller. Some baritone mouthpieces will sink...
and Euphonium
Euphonium
The euphonium is a conical-bore, tenor-voiced brass instrument. It derives its name from the Greek word euphonos, meaning "well-sounding" or "sweet-voiced"...
at Michigan State University
Michigan State University
Michigan State University is a public research university in East Lansing, Michigan, USA. Founded in 1855, it was the pioneer land-grant institution and served as a model for future land-grant colleges in the United States under the 1862 Morrill Act.MSU pioneered the studies of packaging,...
where he also served from 1927 to 1967 as Director of Bands
Director of Bands
A Director of Bands is the head figure of a marching or concert form of bands, a person who leads a musical ensemble. The Director, by history and tradition, must know all the concepts of music and must be able to teach all different kinds of instrumental musicians in order to make a performance at...
. The school's Spartan Marching Band
Michigan State University Spartan Marching Band
The Spartan Marching Band is Michigan State University's Marching Band. Founded in 1870 as a 10-member student group, the 300-member SMB has since grown into one of the premier college bands in the nation...
transitioned from an ROTC auxiliary to a nationally known Big-10 conference marching band during his tenure. He was a well known performer, lecturer, arranger and conductor. Scholarship endowments at Michigan State University
Michigan State University
Michigan State University is a public research university in East Lansing, Michigan, USA. Founded in 1855, it was the pioneer land-grant institution and served as a model for future land-grant colleges in the United States under the 1862 Morrill Act.MSU pioneered the studies of packaging,...
and Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp
Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp
Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp is a Michigan non-profit organization located in the Manistee National Forest that provides summer fine arts camp and international exchange programs in music, art, dance and drama.-Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp:...
as well as the Falcone International Tuba and Euphonium Festival
Leonard Falcone International Tuba and Euphonium Festival
The is an amateur tuba and euphonium festival and competition, held annually the second week in August at the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp at Twin Lake, Michigan.- Origin and goals of the festival :...
were established in his honor.
Early life
Dr. Leonard Vincent Falcone was born in Roseto ValfortoreRoseto Valfortore
Roseto Valfortore is a town and comune of the province of Foggia in the Apulia region of southeast Italy.-Geography:The area surrounding Roseto is mountainous with the river Fortore running through the town. Hence the name Valfortore...
in Italy
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
in the Spring of 1899. Playing first Alto Horn
Alto horn
The alto horn is a brass instrument pitched in E...
and also Violin
Violin
The violin is a string instrument, usually with four strings tuned in perfect fifths. It is the smallest, highest-pitched member of the violin family of string instruments, which includes the viola and cello....
, Falcone became active in the local town band. He studied multiple instruments and conducting
Conducting
Conducting is the art of directing a musical performance by way of visible gestures. The primary duties of the conductor are to unify performers, set the tempo, execute clear preparations and beats, and to listen critically and shape the sound of the ensemble...
under Maistro Donatto Donatelli of Naples
Naples
Naples is a city in Southern Italy, situated on the country's west coast by the Gulf of Naples. Lying between two notable volcanic regions, Mount Vesuvius and the Phlegraean Fields, it is the capital of the region of Campania and of the province of Naples...
in his teens. At the age of 16, he followed his brother Nicholas who had emigrated in 1912, to the United States. There he enrolled in the University School of Music in Ann Arbor Michigan
Michigan
Michigan is a U.S. state located in the Great Lakes Region of the United States of America. The name Michigan is the French form of the Ojibwa word mishigamaa, meaning "large water" or "large lake"....
, which would become the University of Michigan
University of Michigan
The University of Michigan is a public research university located in Ann Arbor, Michigan in the United States. It is the state's oldest university and the flagship campus of the University of Michigan...
School of Music years later, where he met many of his lifelong professional and personal colleagues and friends. Nicholas was to follow professor Wilfred Wilson as Director of Bands
Director of Bands
A Director of Bands is the head figure of a marching or concert form of bands, a person who leads a musical ensemble. The Director, by history and tradition, must know all the concepts of music and must be able to teach all different kinds of instrumental musicians in order to make a performance at...
at the school in the 1920s. Nicholas, who first hired his brother Leonard as a tailor’s assistant, having found work as a tailor and theater clarinet player, later hired him again to play trombone at the Ypsilanti Michigan silent movie
Silent Movie
Silent Movie is a 1976 satirical comedy film co-written, directed by, and starring Mel Brooks, and released by 20th Century Fox on June 17, 1976...
theater when Nick began conducting the pit orchestra
Pit orchestra
A pit orchestra is a type of orchestra that accompanies performers in musicals, operas, and other shows involving music. In performances of operas and ballets, the pit orchestra is typically similar in size to a symphony orchestra, though it may contain smaller string and brass sections, depending...
. Leonard Falcone proudly became a citizen of his adopted country in 1924. Two Years later, he would graduate from college with a degree in violin
Violin
The violin is a string instrument, usually with four strings tuned in perfect fifths. It is the smallest, highest-pitched member of the violin family of string instruments, which includes the viola and cello....
.
Michigan State University
In 1927, Falcone applied for the band directorship at Michigan State College, the former Michigan Agricultural College, and was awarded the position. The entire college at the time had roughly 2500 students and the band only 65. As the Institute of Music and Arts, which the College of Music was first known as, was not formally created until the following year, he began as director of the military bandMilitary band
A military band originally was a group of personnel that performs musical duties for military functions, usually for the armed forces. A typical military band consists mostly of wind and percussion instruments. The conductor of a band commonly bears the title of Bandmaster or Director of Music...
, professor of wind instruments and Italian
Italian language
Italian is a Romance language spoken mainly in Europe: Italy, Switzerland, San Marino, Vatican City, by minorities in Malta, Monaco, Croatia, Slovenia, France, Libya, Eritrea, and Somalia, and by immigrant communities in the Americas and Australia...
.
As the programs grew and the Falcone brothers' own reputations as bandmasters grew along with, both brothers also competed as prolific arrangers of music for concert band. In 1935, Nicholas lost his hearing and for a year, until longtime UofM director William D. Revelli
William Revelli
William D. Revelli was the director of bands, including the Michigan Marching Band, at the University of Michigan for 36 years from 1935-1971. During his 36 years as director, the Michigan Marching Band won international acclaim for its musical precision...
was hired, Leonard commuted between East Lansing and Ann Arbor serving as Director of Bands
Director of Bands
A Director of Bands is the head figure of a marching or concert form of bands, a person who leads a musical ensemble. The Director, by history and tradition, must know all the concepts of music and must be able to teach all different kinds of instrumental musicians in order to make a performance at...
at both schools – the only person to do so at these schools which are historic rivals until the arrival of Kevin Sedatole, the current director of bands, who served as associate director of bands at the University of Michigan
University of Michigan
The University of Michigan is a public research university located in Ann Arbor, Michigan in the United States. It is the state's oldest university and the flagship campus of the University of Michigan...
previously.
Leonard Falcone did allow himself distractions from his work, enlisting in the military during WWII and also marrying Betty Beryl Cromer and starting a family. The Falcones had 2 daughters, Mary Beryl and Cecillia and raised their granddaughter Lisa.
During the 1940s, 50s and 60s, Falcone expanded the role and performances of the band
Michigan State University Spartan Marching Band
The Spartan Marching Band is Michigan State University's Marching Band. Founded in 1870 as a 10-member student group, the 300-member SMB has since grown into one of the premier college bands in the nation...
as well as establishing himself as a leading teacher and performer on baritone horn
Baritone horn
The baritone horn is a member of the brass instrument family. The baritone horn has a predominantly cylindrical bore as do the trumpet and trombone. A baritone horn uses a large mouthpiece much like those of a trombone or euphonium, although it is a bit smaller. Some baritone mouthpieces will sink...
(and euphonium
Euphonium
The euphonium is a conical-bore, tenor-voiced brass instrument. It derives its name from the Greek word euphonos, meaning "well-sounding" or "sweet-voiced"...
). Performances by the band at the White House
White House
The White House is the official residence and principal workplace of the president of the United States. Located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington, D.C., the house was designed by Irish-born James Hoban, and built between 1792 and 1800 of white-painted Aquia sandstone in the Neoclassical...
, the New York Worlds Fair and televised performances at the Rose Bowl parade
Tournament of Roses Parade
The Tournament of Roses Parade, better known as the Rose Parade, is "America's New Year Celebration", a festival of flower-covered floats, marching bands, equestrians and a college football game on New Year's Day , produced by the non-profit Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association.The annual...
in 1954, 1956 and 1965, along with the multiple recordings of both the MSC bands
Michigan State University Spartan Marching Band
The Spartan Marching Band is Michigan State University's Marching Band. Founded in 1870 as a 10-member student group, the 300-member SMB has since grown into one of the premier college bands in the nation...
and Falcone on baritone
Baritone horn
The baritone horn is a member of the brass instrument family. The baritone horn has a predominantly cylindrical bore as do the trumpet and trombone. A baritone horn uses a large mouthpiece much like those of a trombone or euphonium, although it is a bit smaller. Some baritone mouthpieces will sink...
, would bring his name and music at Michigan State
Michigan State University
Michigan State University is a public research university in East Lansing, Michigan, USA. Founded in 1855, it was the pioneer land-grant institution and served as a model for future land-grant colleges in the United States under the 1862 Morrill Act.MSU pioneered the studies of packaging,...
onto the national stage.. He was initiated as an honorary member of the Gamma Epsilon Chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity at Michigan State in 1940.
Falcone retired in 1967 and Michigan State
Michigan State University
Michigan State University is a public research university in East Lansing, Michigan, USA. Founded in 1855, it was the pioneer land-grant institution and served as a model for future land-grant colleges in the United States under the 1862 Morrill Act.MSU pioneered the studies of packaging,...
bestowed an honorary doctorate on him in 1978. He remained Professor Emeritus of Baritone
Baritone horn
The baritone horn is a member of the brass instrument family. The baritone horn has a predominantly cylindrical bore as do the trumpet and trombone. A baritone horn uses a large mouthpiece much like those of a trombone or euphonium, although it is a bit smaller. Some baritone mouthpieces will sink...
and Euphonium
Euphonium
The euphonium is a conical-bore, tenor-voiced brass instrument. It derives its name from the Greek word euphonos, meaning "well-sounding" or "sweet-voiced"...
for the rest of his life. Falcone's career at MSU was pivotal in transforming a military auxiliary band of 65 into today's MSU College of Music with hundreds of students and tens of thousands of alumni.
Artist and Teacher
Leonard Falcone toured as a solo artist for decades as well as publishing several solo recordings. Michigan State UniversityMichigan State University
Michigan State University is a public research university in East Lansing, Michigan, USA. Founded in 1855, it was the pioneer land-grant institution and served as a model for future land-grant colleges in the United States under the 1862 Morrill Act.MSU pioneered the studies of packaging,...
owns the rights to these recordings and republishes them from time to time as students of Baritone
Baritone horn
The baritone horn is a member of the brass instrument family. The baritone horn has a predominantly cylindrical bore as do the trumpet and trombone. A baritone horn uses a large mouthpiece much like those of a trombone or euphonium, although it is a bit smaller. Some baritone mouthpieces will sink...
and Euphonium
Euphonium
The euphonium is a conical-bore, tenor-voiced brass instrument. It derives its name from the Greek word euphonos, meaning "well-sounding" or "sweet-voiced"...
still seek them out. He was regarded by some as the 20th century master of his instrument as Simone Mantia
Simone Mantia
Simone Mantia was an American baritone horn/euphonium virtuoso and also trombone artist at the turn of the twentieth century. He was both a performer and administrator with many American band and orchestral ensembles...
had been regarded before him. Many of those recognized by the Falcone Competition
Leonard Falcone International Tuba and Euphonium Festival
The is an amateur tuba and euphonium festival and competition, held annually the second week in August at the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp at Twin Lake, Michigan.- Origin and goals of the festival :...
and other similar authorities as the current masters, either studied under, or under students of, Falcone. – Brian Bowman
Brian Bowman
Brian Bowman is a euphonium professor, performer and recording artist notable for having sat lead euphonium in the premier bands of both the United States Navy and the United States Air Force as well as having performed the first euphonium recital at Carnegie Hall.-Education:Brian Bowman was born...
, who acknowledged in an interview studying the recordings instead of studying with the man, being an oft-noted exception. His students include leading artists such as Roger Behrend, Earle Louder
Earle Louder
-Performance Background:Earle L. Louder has been acclaimed by colleagues around the world as one of the finest euphonium virtuosos of all time....
and many others.
Falcone offered the facilities of Michigan State College for summer youth music camps for many years and later assisted the Stansel family with making the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp
Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp
Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp is a Michigan non-profit organization located in the Manistee National Forest that provides summer fine arts camp and international exchange programs in music, art, dance and drama.-Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp:...
a leading facility for the same. In 1941, at the urging of friends and colleagues in south-east Michigan
Michigan
Michigan is a U.S. state located in the Great Lakes Region of the United States of America. The name Michigan is the French form of the Ojibwa word mishigamaa, meaning "large water" or "large lake"....
who had formed the predecessor to today's Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association in 1934, Falcone hosted the Band
Concert band
A concert band, also called wind band, symphonic band, symphonic winds, wind orchestra, wind symphony, wind ensemble, or symphonic wind ensemble, is a performing ensemble consisting of several members of the woodwind instrument family, brass instrument family, and percussion instrument family.A...
and Orchestra
Orchestra
An orchestra is a sizable instrumental ensemble that contains sections of string, brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments. The term orchestra derives from the Greek ορχήστρα, the name for the area in front of an ancient Greek stage reserved for the Greek chorus...
Festival at MSC. These festivals became an ongoing annual event and also include marching band
Marching band
Marching band is a physical activity in which a group of instrumental musicians generally perform outdoors and incorporate some type of marching with their musical performance. Instrumentation typically includes brass, woodwinds, and percussion instruments...
, solo
Solo (music)
In music, a solo is a piece or a section of a piece played or sung by a single performer...
and ensemble festivals where thousands of Michigan
Michigan
Michigan is a U.S. state located in the Great Lakes Region of the United States of America. The name Michigan is the French form of the Ojibwa word mishigamaa, meaning "large water" or "large lake"....
schools and students compete at regional and then, if qualified, state levels where they are adjudicated by experts in the field each year.
Falcone wrote, lectured extensively, and presented many clinics on band
Concert band
A concert band, also called wind band, symphonic band, symphonic winds, wind orchestra, wind symphony, wind ensemble, or symphonic wind ensemble, is a performing ensemble consisting of several members of the woodwind instrument family, brass instrument family, and percussion instrument family.A...
technique and playing. He published lists of Euphonium repertoire
Euphonium repertoire
The euphonium repertoire consists of solo literature and parts in band or, less commonly, orchestral music written for the euphonium. Since its invention in 1843, the euphonium has always had an important role in ensembles, but solo literature was slow to appear, consisting of only a handful of...
and conducted master classes and clinics at music education venues such as the annual midwestern music conference. He enjoyed working with young people at Blue Lake and also often worked with HS groups as both soloist and clinician - rehearsing the groups that he would then play with. Falcone continued to teach well after his official retirement in 1967 and maintained an office on campus until his death in 1985. Only months earlier, he had still been coaching a young student on Euphonium
Euphonium
The euphonium is a conical-bore, tenor-voiced brass instrument. It derives its name from the Greek word euphonos, meaning "well-sounding" or "sweet-voiced"...
, planning an Italian tour for an alumni band
Concert band
A concert band, also called wind band, symphonic band, symphonic winds, wind orchestra, wind symphony, wind ensemble, or symphonic wind ensemble, is a performing ensemble consisting of several members of the woodwind instrument family, brass instrument family, and percussion instrument family.A...
, and working to arrange an oriental march for concert band
Concert band
A concert band, also called wind band, symphonic band, symphonic winds, wind orchestra, wind symphony, wind ensemble, or symphonic wind ensemble, is a performing ensemble consisting of several members of the woodwind instrument family, brass instrument family, and percussion instrument family.A...
. While the march arrangement was never finished, the alumni band did tour Italy
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
the following summer.
Legacy
Leonard Falcone's playing, as well as his devotion to teaching and advancing the instrument, lead his students to create the Falcone International Tuba and Euphonium FestivalLeonard Falcone International Tuba and Euphonium Festival
The is an amateur tuba and euphonium festival and competition, held annually the second week in August at the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp at Twin Lake, Michigan.- Origin and goals of the festival :...
which seeks to give a stage to new talent and future artists on his instrument and Tuba
Tuba
The tuba is the largest and lowest-pitched brass instrument. Sound is produced by vibrating or "buzzing" the lips into a large cupped mouthpiece. It is one of the most recent additions to the modern symphony orchestra, first appearing in the mid-19th century, when it largely replaced the...
. Each August, the festival competition welcomes masters of the instruments and new students alike to Twin Lake Michigan.
While still retaining some aspects of its military origins, the Michigan State University Spartan Marching Band
Michigan State University Spartan Marching Band
The Spartan Marching Band is Michigan State University's Marching Band. Founded in 1870 as a 10-member student group, the 300-member SMB has since grown into one of the premier college bands in the nation...
lives on in the modern form established by Falcone with most of its cherished traditions and values deriving from his 1927 to 1967 tenure. The band was and is nationally recognized for excellence and has been seen by millions through its many performances on television and at major events including performing for 5 sitting US Presidents.
Falcone left to the concert band
Concert band
A concert band, also called wind band, symphonic band, symphonic winds, wind orchestra, wind symphony, wind ensemble, or symphonic wind ensemble, is a performing ensemble consisting of several members of the woodwind instrument family, brass instrument family, and percussion instrument family.A...
movement a wealth of arrangements of classical orchestra
Orchestra
An orchestra is a sizable instrumental ensemble that contains sections of string, brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments. The term orchestra derives from the Greek ορχήστρα, the name for the area in front of an ancient Greek stage reserved for the Greek chorus...
l and opera
Opera
Opera is an art form in which singers and musicians perform a dramatic work combining text and musical score, usually in a theatrical setting. Opera incorporates many of the elements of spoken theatre, such as acting, scenery, and costumes and sometimes includes dance...
tic music that he adapted to the instrumentation and timbre of the band
Concert band
A concert band, also called wind band, symphonic band, symphonic winds, wind orchestra, wind symphony, wind ensemble, or symphonic wind ensemble, is a performing ensemble consisting of several members of the woodwind instrument family, brass instrument family, and percussion instrument family.A...
as well as many military marches
Marches
A march or mark refers to a border region similar to a frontier, such as the Welsh Marches, the borderland between England and Wales. During the Frankish Carolingian Dynasty, the word spread throughout Europe....
from cultures around the world adapted to modern western instrumentation. Michigan State University’s marching band
Michigan State University Spartan Marching Band
The Spartan Marching Band is Michigan State University's Marching Band. Founded in 1870 as a 10-member student group, the 300-member SMB has since grown into one of the premier college bands in the nation...
continues to play its iconic version of the MSU Fight Song
Michigan State University Fight Song
The MSU Fight Song is the official fight song of Michigan State University, USA. MSU's fight song was created in early 1915 , when MSU was known as Michigan Agricultural College...
, affectionately known to the band as “Falcone Fight.” During his tenure at Michigan State University, the fight song was a very dynamic arrangement, ever-subject to changes, as can be heard in the various recordings found throughout the University archives.. The Spartan Marching Band now recognizes a specific one of his many arrangements as "Falcone Fight". (However, it also plays another variation, "Pregame Fight" arranged by former SMB assistant director, William Moffit, for pregame performance and as an in-game celebration.)
Falcone published many articles, solo literature repertoires, and even a beginning baritone method in two volumes co-authored with Birmingham Michigan teacher Arnold Berndt and published by Belwin. His most enduring publication however has been the recordings which live on today in CD and mp3 formats in many places both with and without the permission of Michigan State University
Michigan State University
Michigan State University is a public research university in East Lansing, Michigan, USA. Founded in 1855, it was the pioneer land-grant institution and served as a model for future land-grant colleges in the United States under the 1862 Morrill Act.MSU pioneered the studies of packaging,...
.
His legacy to future musicians at Michigan State University
Michigan State University
Michigan State University is a public research university in East Lansing, Michigan, USA. Founded in 1855, it was the pioneer land-grant institution and served as a model for future land-grant colleges in the United States under the 1862 Morrill Act.MSU pioneered the studies of packaging,...
will continue to also include the Leonard Falcone Scholarship established by the alumni in 1967 and funded by many contributions as well as the proceeds from the legitimate sale of Falcone recordings.
Partial Discography
All recordings cited are in the collection of the MSUMichigan State University
Michigan State University is a public research university in East Lansing, Michigan, USA. Founded in 1855, it was the pioneer land-grant institution and served as a model for future land-grant colleges in the United States under the 1862 Morrill Act.MSU pioneered the studies of packaging,...
archives.
Songs of Michigan State College, Recorded Publications Co, Camden New Jersey / RCA Victor, 1955 {Band and Men's Glee Club}
MSC Fight Song (Lankey / Falcone)
Spartan Toast (Coleman)
Michigan State Spartans
O Clap Your Hands
The Gallant Seventh (Sousa)
MSC March (Marsalis / Bibo)
MSC Shadows (Traynor / Finn)
Close Beside the Winding Cedar (Amici / Brown)
Michigan State University Band, Volume 1, LPS-1232 Fidelity Sound Recordings, Redwood City California
MSU Fight Song (Lankey / Falcone)
Funiculi Funicula (Denza)
Suite from Carmen (Bizet / Nicholas Falcone)
Stars and Stripes Forever (Sousa / Hershey Kay)
All America March (Taylor)
MSU Shadows (Traynor / Falcone)
March Electric (Creatore / Falcone)
Pines of the Appian Way (Respighi)
La Traviata, Prelude to Act 1 (Verdi / Falcone)
Gallito (Lope)
Michigan State University Band, Volume 2, LPS-1245 Fidelity Sound Recordings, Redwood City California
Army of the Nile (Alford)
Pepita Greus (Chovi)
Flag of Victory (Von Blon)
The Black Horse Troop (Sousa)
Noble Men (Filmore)
The Gladiator (Sousa)
Father of Victory (Ganne)
The Dover Coach (Vinter)
Puenteareas (Sautullo)
Moto Perpetuo (Paganini / Nicholas Falcone)
Inglesina (Dela Cese)
MSU's Leonard Falcone, Published by Michigan State University Spartan Marching Band Alumni in 1967 to raise funds for the Falcone scholarship
Michigan State University Concert Band at Birmingham Groves HS (Michigan) March 21, 1963, unpublished
Marche Millitaire Frances, (Saint-saens)
Carnival of Venice
Overture to Italian in Algiers (Rossini)
Corcoran Cadet March (Sousa)
March: Nobel Men (Fillmore)
Pepita Greus (Chovi)
MSU Shadows and Fight Song together (Traynor / Lankey / Falcone)
Michigan State University Concert Band at Midland HS (Michigan) April 22, 1960, unpublished
Procession of the Nobles from Milada (Rimsky-Korsakov)
Mannin Veen (Wood)
Jabberwocky (Walters)
Leonard Falcone and his Baritone, RE-7001 Golden Crest Records, Huntington Station, New York
From the Shores of the Mighty Pacific (HL Clarke)
Estrellita (M Ponce)
Bourree 1 & 2 form Suite 3 for Cello (JS Bach)
Beautiful Colorado (J DeLuca)
Atlantic Zephyrs (G Simons)
Piece en Forme de Habanera (JB Senaille)
Morceau Symphonique (A Guilmant)
Leonard Falcone Baritone Horn, RE 7036 Golden Crest Records, Huntington Station, New York
My Regards (E Llwellyn)
Una Furtiva Lacrima (G Donizetti / R Harvey)
Sentimentale (J DeLuca)
Concert Piece (PV De La Nux)
Allegro de Concert (E Cools)
Andante et Allegro (JE Barat)
Adagio from Concerto for Cello (J Haydn / D Shuman)
Napoli (H Bellstedt)
Leonard Falcone Baritone Volume II, RE-7016 Golden Crest Records, Huntington Station, New York
Concerto (G Magnan)
Tarantella (WH Squire)
Fantasia Original (Picchi-Mantia)
Premier Solo de Concert (F Combelle)
Platera (E Granados / L Falcone)
Le Cygne (C Saint-Saens)
Blue Bells of Scotland (A Pryor)
Michigan State University Presents Leonard Falcone, Baritone Horn Volume IV, MSU-8984 Crest Records, Huntington Station, New York
From the Shores of the Mighty Pacific (HL Clarke) Penn intercollegiate band, J Dunlop dir.(1962)
O Solo Mio (DiCapua)
Serenade (Schubert / Falcone) Penn intercollegiate band, J Dunlop dir. (1962)
Ave Maria (Bach / Gounod / Falcone)
Fantasie Original (Picchi-Mantia / Falcone) Royal Canadian Reg. Band, Capt. D Stannard dir. (1967)
Flower Song from Carmen (Bizet / AA Harding) Pontiac HS Band, D Harris dir.(1958)
Serenade (E Toselli)
Birmingham Seaholm HS Spring Concert, April 1961, Arnold Berndt directing, Leonard Falcone soloist, unpublished
From the Shores of the Mighty Pacific (HL Clarke)
Serenade (Schubert / Falcone)
Rehearsal of the Schubert Serenade
(This recording is also in the collection of the Birmingham Historical Museum (MI))
External links
- https://www.msu.edu/unit/msuarhc/falcone1.htm Michigan State University Archives
- Windsong Press
- https://www.falconefestival.org/ Falcone International Tuba and Euphonium Competition
- http://music.msu.edu/ Michigan State University College of Music
- http://scholendow.ais.msu.edu/student/ScholDetail.asp?Schol_ID=186 Falcone Scholarship at MSU
- http://www.spartanband.net/history.html Spartan Marching Band History
- http://www.leonardfalcone.com/index.html Biography about Leonard Falcone - Solid Brass