Cody Leonard ’17 is inspired by the hard work of his father, who laid bricks at one campus entrance.
Growing up in Crewe, Cody Nathaniel Leonard ’17 didn’t have far to go when he left to study music at Longwood—but it was part of a long journey to find direction in life.
After dealing with bullies in grade school, it was in the band, surrounded by other music lovers, where Leonard found acceptance and friendship.
“Music was my escape from all that stuff,” said Leonard. “The band kids were really nice, and I was happy whenever I was with them. My uncle played the saxophone so that’s what I tried, and I ended up being pretty good at it.”
Sax in hand, Leonard has found a home in Longwood’s music department, thanks to the Waverly M. Cole Music Scholarships. Dr. Cole was an anesthesiologist and a major supporter of the arts at Longwood, his mother’s alma mater. Scholarship recipients are selected through an audition process.
“Cody had a natural affinity and great potential, which was recognized by the faculty who heard him audition,” said Charlie Kinzer, professor of music, who teaches saxophone. Cody has really blossomed as a musician and has discovered a craving for learning in all areas.”
Now Leonard dedicates his efforts in college to his family—of whom he is reminded almost every day as he walks past brickwork laid by his father at one of the entrances to campus.
“My father worked hard labor all his life and taught me the importance of working hard,” said Leonard, who spent the summer as a Longwood facilities department employee to save money for college expenses.
“For some people things just come easy, but I have to work hard to keep my grades up and stay in school. If it weren’t for the scholarship, I wouldn’t be able to attend college.”
As a student at Longwood, Leonard is making the most of his opportunity and learning more about music than just how to play notes on a page.
“I’m discovering applications for music I never thought of. There are ways to make a difference like music therapy that help people deal with stress,” he said.
After classes, you can often find Leonard putting his lessons to work performing with fellow members of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia at local senior communities.
“I don’t think they get a lot of visitors, and it seems to make people there happy,” he said. Music is about emotions—a universal language that everyone seems to understand at some level—and I love to be able to play for people happy to hear it.”
If you ask him, Leonard will tell you that classical music is powerful and moving, but what makes him happiest is playing jazz. Fans of New Orleans-style jazz in Farmville may have spotted Leonard and some friends at local venues playing under the name Audacity Brass band. The group’s first album, A101, can be heard on Spotify, and members are saving money to pay for another studio session one day soon.
If you are interested in helping a deserving student, please contact Institutional Advancement at gifts@longwood.edu.
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