East’s Small Engines teacher and Band instructor, Mr. Cecil Leonard, walks the red carpet at The 60th Annual Grammy Awards

May 2, 2018

The 60th annual Grammy Awards were held in New York this year, the first time not in Los Angeles since 2003. James Corden, host of The Late Late Show, hosted the event in Madison Square Garden with a special guest appearance from Cherry Hill East’s own… Mr. Cecil Leonard.

Invited along with his former drumming prodigy, Nick Kepron, Leonard, East’s Small Engines teacher and Band instructor, walked the red carpet with some of the biggest names in the music industry. Prior to transferring from East to Gaithersburg, Maryland, Kepron, “Was an exceptional drummer,” in the Cherry Hill East Band. Over his freshman, sophomore, and junior years, Mr. Leonard taught Kepron and once said to him, “One day when you win your grammy make sure my tickets are at the door.”

Kepron came up big for Leonard, calling him the Wednesday before the Grammys saying, “Guess who’s going to the Grammys…you.” Being in California, Kepron could not make the ceremony taking place on Sunday, January 28. Mr. Leonard enjoyed seats close to the celebrities, but specifically enjoyed, “being around all of the finest musicians in the world”.

Growing up listening to a variety of different music, Leonard developed rhythmic ear early on. He started off playing Guitar and Bass, but was not picky in his learning. From harmonizing on street corners in Philadelphia to singing in Church choirs Leonard was always involved with the music community. At Cheyney University Leonard was a Music major studying Strings for his freshman and sophomore years. All the while he played in the Community College in Philadelphia’s band. And even after switching his major to Industrializing Technology, Leonard maintained his musical roots still singing and playing in chorus’ and bands.

 

After “experiencing the greatness” of the finest musicians from around the globe, Leonard “danced until about three o’clock in the morning” at the Marriott. There, Leonard shared the dance floor with Nile Rodgers and his band Chic, along with many other celebrities.

“I can’t believe I got the opportunity to experience that, I’ll never forget it,” said Leonard.

Growing up listening to a variety of different music, Leonard developed rhythmic ear early on. He started off playing Guitar and Bass, but was not picky in his learning. From harmonizing on street corners in Philadelphia to singing in Church choirs, Leonard was always involved with the music community. Along with his development in the arts came an appreciation for music, something that exemplified his experience at the Grammys. At Cheyney University Leonard was a Music major studying Strings for his freshman and sophomore years. All the while he played in the Community College in Philadelphia’s band. And even after switching his major to Industrializing Technology, Leonard maintained his musical roots still singing and playing in chorus’ and bands.

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