While pursuing his Ph.D. in music education at Penn State in 1991, Anthony Leach was asked to pull together a choir for the annual MLK Banquet for the Forum on Black Affairs—a choir that “became his calling card,” says Neal Holter ’95 Eng, ’96 MA Sci, Leach’s husband. That show was the genesis of Essence of Joy, a choir dedicated to presenting sacred and secular music from African American choral traditions.

An award-winning educator, conductor, and composer, Leach ’82 MMus, ’96 PhD A&A also founded the Essence of Joy Alumni Singers and Essence 2 Ltd., a choir for community members, and conducted choirs at places of worship and other venues locally, nationally, and internationally. On a personal level, Leach intentionally created community and drew out the best in people. “When you were with him, you were his whole world,” says Becca Ziegler, president of the Alumni Singers. “He had that incredible focus of time and presence and love, and he fully gave of himself to those who were part of his life.”

A faculty member from 1994 to 2018, he also conducted the University Choir and taught choral conducting and music education. He retired in 2018 but returned in 2020 to again conduct Essence of Joy and coordinate the African American Music Festival at Penn State, which he also founded.

Leach, professor emeritus of music and music education, died Jan. 8, 2025, at age 73, and is survived by Holter and two brothers, Myron and Gary. His celebration of life will be at noon on May 24 at the Pasquerilla Spiritual Center at University Park. —Katherine O’Brien