Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Date

2018

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Musical Arts

Department

Music

Committee Chair

John Mueller

Committee Member

Kenneth Kreitner

Committee Member

Kevin Sanders

Committee Member

John Cooper

Abstract

This document explores Dr. Leonard Falcones impact on euphonium playing in the United States as both a teacher and an advocate of the instrument. A Sicilian-born immigrant, Falcone spent forty years as director of bands at Michigan State University and euphonium and tuba professor. As a baritonist, Falcone earned early praise for his technique and musicianship from notable figures in the wind band community such as John Philip Sousa and Edwin Franko Goldman. His commercial recordings were groundbreaking and influenced generations of performers and composers. As a studio instructor, Falcones teaching style was decades ahead of its time as his pedagogical techniques reflected many of the twenty-first century. Recognized for its excellence, Falcones studio developed a national reputation. Among his noteworthy pupils are Earle Louder, Marty Erickson, and Roger Behrend. Falcones artistry and teaching came at a critical time when the decline of professional civilian concert bands in the mid-twentieth century could have left the baritone and euphonium to fall by the musical wayside. Falcones promotion and dedicated teaching contributed significantly to the heightened awareness of the euphonium and unprecedented growth of the repertoire in the last fifty years. Leonard Falcones legacy is the inspiration for the Leonard Falcone International Euphonium and Tuba Festival, which has placed itself among the most prestigious brass instrument competitions worldwide.

Comments

Data is provided by the student.

Library Comment

Dissertation or thesis originally submitted to ProQuest

Download

Share

COinS