John Leddy

John Leddy became the Founding Director of Athletic Bands at Stony Brook University in 2006, and was named Director Emeritus upon his retirement in 2013. Prior to his arrival at Stony Brook, John taught music in the Connetquot school district in Bohemia, NY for thirty-three years, where he conducted concert band, jazz ensemble and marching band at all levels.

John obtained a Bachelor of Music degree from the Crane School of Music at Potsdam College, and a Master of Arts from Stony Brook University. He studied percussion with James Petercsak at the Crane School, timpani with Morris Lang of the New York Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra, and jazz drum set with Jim Chapin, Joe Morello and Ed Shaughnessy. John was the recipient of a Summer Fellowship for music educators from Northwestern University where he studied conducting with Mallory Thompson and Don Owens. He also served as the Director of Jazz Studies at the Usdan Center for the Creative and Performing Arts.

While at Potsdam, John met singer/guitarist Fortune Esposito, Jenna’s Dad and Music Director. John and Forty played together every weekend through four years of college. They have been life long friends and enjoy working together whenever the opportunity arises.

John guest conducted at SCMEA, NMEA, Hamptons, and North Fork festivals. He served as the NYSSMA Chairman for Instrumental Jazz, as NYSSMA Marching Band Chairman, as the SCMEA Chairman of Instrumental Jazz and SCMEA Jazz Day Coordinator. He is the recipient of the 2007 - 2008 Seawolves Service Award from the Stony Brook Athletics Department and the 2009 - 2010 Distinguished Service Award from the Stony Brook University Student Affairs Division, and the Shirley Strum Kenny Steel Magnolia Award from Stony Brook University.

John lives in Bayport, NY with his lovely wife of 47 years, Diane.