Leonard Vincent Falcone was born April 5, 1899 in Roseto Valfortore, Italy. He immigrated to the United States in 1915 and arrived in Michigan to join his brother Nicholas who was a tailor and clarinet player in a theater in Ypsilanti, Michigan, which Leonard would later join. In 1926, Falcone graduated with a diploma in the violin at the University School of Music, Michigan. Then in 1927, Falcone became the band director of the Michigan State College Military Band. In the fall of 1928, Falcone also became the director of band and instructor of wind instruments and Italian at the Michigan State Institute of Music and Arts. During his tenure, the single 65 piece Military Band developed into four units: the 75 piece Marching Band, the 115 piece Concert Band, the 100 piece Activity Band, and Spartan Brass. Falcone retired as band director in 1967, but continued to be involved in events outside MSU as a guest conductor, soloist, and advisor. Falcone passed away on May 2, 1985.
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