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I was born in St. Louis into a family of teachers. My aunt was the first black woman to earn a doctorate from St. Louis University. She was a major influence in my life and introduced me to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. when I was young. I began to dedicate my life to music when I began my music studies at age 12. My instruments were piano and organ but I also sang. I entered the Oberlin Conservatory in 1972 and upon graduation with a BM in Composition I entered the University of Kansas and earned a MM and DMA in Conducting. I am currently active in the local music scene as the conductor of two community orchestras and a paid member of the St. Louis Symphony Chorus. My day job is as an environmental consultant with TSI Engineering.
I had been gone from St. Louis for over 20 years when I returned from Paraguay, where I was a Fulbright Fellow, and relocated here in St. Louis. I was playing chamber music at a friend's house when Eliot member, Budimir Zvolanek, suggested that I audition for the accompanist position at Eliot. I was chosen as the new church accompanist and assisted former choir director Bob Howard with choral music at Eliot until Bob decided to retire from the directorship of the choir. I applied for his position, and ultimately the responsibilities were divided between Jan Chamberlin and myself.
Since then we have been in close collaboration, serving the rich musical life of Eliot, and we are members of the UUMN (UU Musicians Network). I am primarily responsible for the choir that traditionally sings at the late service, and Jan directs the choir that usually sings for the early service. Jan is the coordinator of all music at Eliot. I believe we are a great team.
Leon he can be contacted at .