Arts and Architecture

'Cut from a different cloth’: Penn State mourns passing of Anthony Leach

Professor emeritus of music and music education and founding director of Essence of Joy leaves a legacy at Penn State and in the local community

Tony Leach Credit: Penn State. Creative Commons

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Anthony T. Leach, professor emeritus of music and music education and founding director of Essence of Joy, died on Jan. 8, leaving a legacy at Penn State and in the local community, where he touched the lives of thousands of students, alumni, University colleagues and community members through his music, teaching, mentorship and friendship.

An award-winning educator, music director, conductor and composer, Leach's influence reached around the globe. He taught music in Maryland, Pennsylvania and New York City before coming to Penn State to pursue his graduate studies, ultimately earning a master of music degree in choral conducting and doctorate in music education. He joined the faculty in 1994, retiring in 2018.

In 1991, while a graduate student, Leach founded the choir Essence of Joy, which performs sacred and secular music from the African and African American choral traditions. He later founded the Essence of Joy Alumni Singers and Essence 2 Ltd., a choir for local community members. Leach also conducted the University Choir from 1994 to 2015. In addition to his work at Penn State, he was director of music, worship and the arts at Monumental African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in Steelton, Pennsylvania, and played piano and organ and conducted choirs at places of worship and other venues nationally and internationally.

Those who crossed Leach’s path — as a colleague, student, friend or member of one of his choirs — join in characterizing him as someone who simply made you want to be a better person, regardless of the endeavor.

"Familiar lyrics and melodies, combined with prayer and affirming words of encouragement, provided comfort to people who knew that they were risking their lives and time in jail for participating in acts of civil disobedience." — Anthony Leach, choir director Credit: Michelle Bixby / Penn State. Creative Commons

"There are few words that can accurately capture the essence of a human being as extraordinary as Dr. Anthony Leach,” said Kikora Franklin, interim director of the Penn State School of Theatre, who was a longtime collaborator with Leach as a performer and choreographer. “Dr. Leach was cut from a different cloth — his presence and unapologetically disciplined, honest, rigorous and joyful approach to teaching and leading called all in his presence to rise to their best, to excellence. His commitment to educating students and audiences about the significance and history of African American spiritual music opened the hearts and minds of many and helped them better understand our common humanity. Through his artistry, the musical and cultural landscape of the many places that his work was shared — locally, nationally and internationally — was transformed and made better, especially here at Penn State.”

Velvet Brown, David P. Stone Chair, professor of music in tuba and euphonium, and associate director for equity, diversity and inclusion in the School of Music, toured with Leach and Franklin with MOJATUBA — a performance collective celebrating the contributions of African Americans through music, dance and story — for more than a decade.

“On our tours and on campus, he was like a big brother to me who brought me solace during the difficult times and challenged me to be a better musician and teacher,” said Brown. “He was an exceptional human being and musician who meant so much to me and to so many colleagues, students and former students around the country. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled.”

While Leach reached the community through his choirs and other performances, he influenced countless students as a longtime professor in the School of Music.

Russell Bloom, assistant director of facilities, engagement and outreach in the School of Music, worked with Leach on the Music Education student teaching program for more than 10 years.

“Most people know Tony as an organist/pianist or choral conductor, but his gift for mentoring music educators was extraordinary. It didn’t matter if you were a ‘newbie’ or a veteran teacher — when Tony Leach walked into your classroom, you knew you were going to learn something,” said Bloom.

During his travels, Leach was known for popping into his former students’ classrooms unannounced.

“He uncannily knew what each of his ‘babies’ needed. The gentle nudge, the heavy sigh and eye roll, the lecture and the laughter and affirmation,” said Bloom. “You see, once you walked into a classroom of Tony Leach’s, you really never walked out. He remained committed to each one of his students’ lifelong learning. And I use the word ‘life’ meaning not just music education — his lessons were more than just about the notes.”

Leach’s influence extended globally through his choirs and his own guest-conducting roles. His choirs performed at festivals throughout the United States and Canada, as well as tours of England, Scotland, Italy, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Spain, France, Germany, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, St. Thomas/U.S. Virgin Islands and South Africa. He appeared as a guest conductor for choral festivals and workshops throughout the United States, in addition to festivals in France, Japan, Venezuela, the Czech Republic and Norway. In 2004, Leach was co-conductor of the World Youth Choir sponsored by the International Federation of Choral Musicians (IFCM) in South Korea and Japan. He was a life member of the American Choral Directors Association.

According to Ann Marie Stanley, director of the School of Music, Leach was one of the School of Music’s most highly respected, accomplished faculty members.

“In all his capacities — and there were so many — he brought the highest standards of musicianship and scholarship to bear. For Penn State undergraduate and graduate students alike, he was a model and mentor. He really was the consummate choral conductor, pianist, composer and educator. He spent years here teaching and demonstrating for the Penn State School of Music community what it means to be a great musician: one with humility, grace and a sense of humor.”

Leach received numerous honors at Penn State and from choral associations, including the Penn State President’s Award for Engagement with Students, the Penn State Lion’s Paw Association Award, the Brazeal Dennard Award from Chorus America, the Elaine Brown Award for Choral Excellence from the Pennsylvania chapter of the American Choral Directors Association, and the Distinguished Alumni Award from Lebanon Valley College, where he obtained his bachelor’s degree. He was also the Penn State Laureate during the 2009-10 academic year.

Anthony Leach served as the Penn State Laureate during the 2009-10 academic year. Credit: Penn State. Creative Commons

B. Stephen Carpenter II, Michael J. and Aimee Rusinko Kakos Dean in the College of Arts and Architecture, echoed the comments of colleagues inside and outside the college who were touched by Leach.

“Dr. Tony Leach’s influence at Penn State and in the local community, specifically in the College of Arts and Architecture and School of Music, cannot be understated. He was an educator, mentor, musician, conductor and friend who brought people together in a way that very few can,” said Carpenter. “The outpouring of condolences from colleagues, students, alumni and friends from all corners of his life is a testament to the amazing man he was, and the huge hole he leaves behind. May peace be with him, and may his legacy live on among the countless individuals he touched through his teaching, conducting and mentorship.”

Memorial contributions can be made to the Anthony T. Leach and Neal S. Holter Endowment for Essence of Joy and the African American Music Festival in the School of Music online or by mailing a check, payable to “Penn State-Leach Endowment,” to Donor and Member Services, 329 Innovation Blvd., Suite 311, State College, PA 16803 (include “In memory of Tony Leach” in the memo line).

Last Updated January 15, 2025