We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Fritz Stansell, founder and president emeritus of the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp. Fritz Stansell was also one of the original founders of the Falcone Festival and had an incredible impact on the music world. Our most sincere condolences to the Stansell family and BLFAC community during these difficult times.Uncategorised
At the Leonard Falcone International Euphonium and Tuba Festival musicians compete in four divisions. Euphonium and Tuba players compete separately and each instrument has two age/experience divisions.
Participants in the Student Level Competition must not have reached their 20th birthday prior to September 1 of the Festival year. For the 2025 Festival, a participant who will be 20 years old or older on September 1, 2025, is not eligible to apply in either student division. To compete in the Artist Level Competition, participants must not currently be or have formerly been a full-time paid professional in either a performance position or a college teaching position as of August 1 of the Festival year. There is no age limitation, and participants may be of any gender, race, or nationality.
In addition, previous first place winners of the Student Level Competition must enter the Artist Level should they compete in ensuing years.
The required music for all divisions and all rounds for a Festival is published in August shortly after the previous Festival concludes. In the Preliminary Round, participants prepare the required accompanied piece/s and submit them as part of the application process. Preliminary Round adjudicators listen to and rank the anonymous recordings for selection of Festival semi-finalists and alternates.
At the Festival, Semi-Final Round participants perform both unaccompanied and accompanied pieces. Festival adjudicators listen to and rate the performances at the Festival, but competitors are screened from the judges and identified by letters, not by name. The Final Round competitors are announced at the Sunday luncheon and have until the following day to polish and rehearse. All Festival adjudicators rate the final round competitors. The public is invited to attend all Final Round performances.
The presentation of medals and awards takes place following the Artist Final Round competition.
The Festival and the Competition
The Leonard Falcone International Euphonium and Tuba Festival is a 501(c)(3) non profit organization. It was created to sustain and develop the annual Festival, which is held over a four day period each summer at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp located in Twin Lake, Michigan.
Student and artist level competitions in both Euphonium and Tuba are integral to the Festival. The competition cash prizes (all listed in US Dollars) are underwritten by foundations, companies, and friends who believe in the values of the Festival.
In addition to the competition aspect of the Festival, participants are offered the opportunity to attend master classes and recitals provided by internationally recognized euphonium/tuba artists.
The Leonard Falcone International Euphonium and Tuba Festival has gained recognition as the premier annual event of its kind. It has a truly international flavor, with contestants attending from countries around the world.
Falcone Papers in MSU Archives
University Archives & Historical Collections of Michigan State University document more than 150 years of MSU history. In addition, the collections also contain historical materials not related to MSU.
Dr. Leonard Falcone's papers are collected in the MSU Archives. A Table of Contents for the papers and other information can be found via this link to Dr. Leonard Falcone's papers.
The Festival collection at the MSU Archives includes photographs, programs, organizational records, and audio and video recordings. It will continue to grow as the Festival continues to donate more records in the coming years.
Information about the Falcone Festival papers in the MSU Archives can be found here.
Pictured below: young Leonard Falcone; concert at Interlochen, 1930; at his desk, 1959; MSU pregame, 1963
Testament to the Legacy of Leonard Falcone Now on Permanent Display at MSU College of Music
The legacy of Leonard Falcone is a story of how much this man was and is loved, admired, respected, and revered throughout the world. Revered and beloved for his leadership, discipline, and musicianship, Professor Falcone helped to establish a national reputation for the Michigan State University College of Music. During his 40-year tenure as director of bands—and 13 more as he continued to teach—this Italian immigrant guided the MSU Bands to national prominence, as MAC became MSC and then MSU.
As professor of baritone and euphonium, Falcone became the world’s foremost soloist and authority on the baritone. His musical legacy lives on today in the form of many loyal students who have gone on to teach and play throughout the world. His legacy as a beloved, principled man lives on through all of his students who gained from his guidance and example.
To honor Professor Falcone and his profound influence on MSU and to leave a visible tribute to inform succeeding generations, the MSU Alumni Band raised funds and commissioned the design and placement of a bronze plaque bearing his image and story, collaborating with University officials and College of Music faculty. This permanent honor and testimonial has been placed next to the rehearsal room where Falcone and his students made wonderful music for nearly two generations. His tradition of excellence continues to this day—every time the MSU Bands perform. A replica of this plaque was presented to his widow, Beryl Falcone.
This is his legacy: Leonard Falcone’s music still echoes through the “ivy covered halls.”
Dr. Leonard Falcone 1899-1985
The most consummate performing artists are able to expand the horizons of their instruments and set the standard for their generation. A subset of this group (a small number indeed) possesses the pedagogical skills to match their artistic talents. These individuals are the true leaders of the music education world, maintaining extraordinary artistic standards while touching the lives of countless young people.
Such was the case with Leonard Falcone, who served on the faculty of Michigan State University for 53 years. Dr. Falcone was one of those rare talents who combined remarkable artistic talent with natural pedagogical instinct.
Born in Roseto-Valfortore, Italy, in 1899, Dr. Falcone was a professional musician (playing in the prestigious Roseto-Valfortore Town Band) before immigrating to America in 1915 at the age of 15. In 1927, he was appointed Director of Bands at Michigan State University, where he concurrently was Chairman of the Winds and Brass Department and Professor of Baritone Horn.
Dr. Falcone was truly 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.
Dr. Falcone retired as Director of Bands at MSU in 1967, although his teaching relationship with MSU continued. During the course of his tenure as Director, Falcone's original single 65-piece Military Band developed into four units: the 175-piece Marching Band, the 115-piece Concert Band, the 100-piece Activity Band, and the Spartan Brass. In recognition of his distinguished career, the University awarded Leonard Falcone the Doctor of Fine Arts degree in 1978, marking 50 years of involvement with MSU. He retained his position as Professor of Baritone Horn until his death in 1985.
Dr. Falcone was active in the program of Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp since it opened in 1966. As a guest conductor and honorary trustee, Dr. Falcone helped Blue Lake become what former Michigan Governor William Milliken considered to be "one of the state's greatest cultural assets.”
It was in honor of his exemplary musical and educational accomplishments that a number of Falcone students, in cooperation with Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, established the Leonard Falcone International Euphonium Festival (now Euphonium and Tuba Festival). The Festival has become a continuing testimony to Dr. Falcone's profound influence upon the lives of his students and the extraordinary artistry he achieved on the instrument he loved.
