"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.