Leonard Falcone (1899-1985) served on the faculty of Michigan State University for 53 years. He was a leader in music education, maintaining extraordinary artistic standards while touching the lives of countless young people. Falcone was a world-class brass player, and his reputation for excellence touched all aspects of his career. His solo performances, his bands, and his students were all characterized by his singular dedication to the highest standards.

In 1986, Fritz Stansell, Seymour Okun, Henry Nelson, and Eldon Rosegart conceived of and began the International Euphonium Festival as a tangible and enduring way to honor the memory of Leonard Falcone. The objectives of the festival have remained relatively constant (see below), as has the importance of having an international presence. Stansell offered Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, where Leonard had taught for many summers, as the venue for the new competition. Following the 10th annual festival in 1996, tuba divisions were added to the festival.

Objectives of the festival include: • promoting the highest level of artistry on the euphonium and tuba; • encouraging young musicians to study the euphonium and tuba; • enhancing the repertoire for the euphonium and tuba by commissioning and encouraging original compositions, transcriptions, and arrangements; • presenting master classes and performances by distinguished euphonium and tuba artists; and • fostering increased awareness and appreciation for euphonium and tuba by the general public.

(Source: www.falconefestival.org)