Kent L. Leslie passed away peacefully on September 25, 2015 with his wife by his side.
He was born on May 16, 1957 in South Bend to Donald and Gwendolyn Leslie. He received BM and MM degrees from Ball State University where he studied with Fred Ehnes and Robert Marsh. While at the university, he met fellow hornist Mary and they were married June 1, 1985.
Kent was a freelance hornist and horn teacher based in Indianapolis. He was a charter member of the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, principal hornist of the Anderson and Lafayette Symphonies, and frequently performed with the Indianapolis Symphony and a wide range of orchestras, chamber ensembles, and in recording studios throughout Indiana and adjoining states. He had also been hornist for the national touring orchestras for celebrities such as Burt Bacharach, Dionne Warwick, Andy Williams, and Pia Zadora.
Kent’s musical interests were rich and varied: He was one of the few people who could speak intelligently and with equal fervor about the music of Gustav Mahler and Alice Cooper. As a chamber musician and soloist he was a champion of contemporary music. He commissioned a number of works that added to the body of exceptional literature for the horn and made recordings featuring several of them. Kent also maintained an active teaching studio, giving private horn lessons and serving as coach for various youth musical groups.
“Beloved by family, friends, colleagues, and students, Kent was particularly known for his good nature, high musical standards, strong work ethic, intellectual curiosity, kindness to others and appreciation of a good joke.”
Survivors include his wife Mary of 30 years, sons Aaron (Marie) Cliffside Park NJ, Phillip (Rebecca) Park Ridge IL, Reuben (Leigh) Queen Creek, AZ, Trevor (Caroline) Chicago and Tristan Koga, Japan; parents Donald and Gwen Leslie, brother Scott (Sara) Leslie, grandchildren Evan, Amelia, Ethan and Samantha; and Parsifal and Wotan, beloved family pets.
A memorial service will be held at Cross & Crown Lutheran Church on October 3rd at 2 pm with visitation two hours proceeding. The family would prefer that in lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to America Composers Forum or Cross & Crown Lutheran church. Online condolences may be sent via Indiana Funeral Care.
Dr. & Mrs. Normand T. Townley says
Dear Mary Leslie and family of Kent Leslie. Many years have passed since Norm & Trevor shared Starbucks. We have fond memories of the Leslie family. You will be in our prayers this week as you go through this difficult period.
Marvin C Perry II says
We are very sad about your loss of Kent. It is a loss to many, especially in Indianapolis. I will miss seeing and working with him in the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. May you experience “the peace that passes all understanding.”
Nikko Ratliff says
You and your family have our deepest sympathies. God Bless you all.
Nikko Ratliff says
Mrs. Leslie. You and your family have our deepest sympathies. God Bless you all.
Nikko Ratliff & Camryn Smith
Russ Bullis says
I’m in shock. What a loss of a wonderful person. I always enjoyed helping him when he came into the Pepper store to buy music. Very sad.
Nana and Michael Vaughn says
Although we live in Maryland now, we played with Kent many times during our years in Indiana. Our favorite was his solo performance of Primitive Modern for one of our Fishers Chamber Orchestra concerts. He was a gentle, beautiful soul and will be deeply missed. Our deepest condolences to Mary and their children.
David Huff says
Mary & Family,
I was Kent’s roommate for two years at Ball State but unfortunately, our paths drifted apart after graduation. During the few times we did see each other, memories flooded our discussion. The world has lost a wonderful person, and excellent musician.
Vladimir Zukerman says
Dear Mary and kids,
Please, accept my dippiest condolences on your loss. Kent was such a wonderful man and a great musician. My thoughts and prayers will be with you through this difficult time.
Vladimir Zukerman
Nick Palmer says
Kent was a wonderful colleague: a sensitive musician who deftly understood music of every genre. He was always kind and compassionate to all he worked with. Kent greeted everyone with a smile and affirmative word. He was a grounding and stabilizing influence on the Lafayette Symphony and will be deeply missed.
Bob & Ann Scherb says
What a wonderful beloved picture of Kent Our prayers are with all of you at this time We will miss seeing the four of you out walking in the neighborhood.
Harriet Coppoc says
How sad I was to hear of the unexpected death of Kent. I have wonderful memories of playing with him for school kid’s concerts many years ago and of courses in the Lafayette Symphony and many other places. He will be greatly missed in the musical community. May God hold all of you in the palm of his hand during this difficult time.
Kirk Trevor says
Dear Mary and family
It was with great sadness that I learned of Kent’s passing. For twenty seven years I have been privileged to have Kent as an esteemed member of the Indianapolis chamber orchestra and as a wonderful musical champion for new music. I enjoyed so much talking with him about new works he wished me to program, and though I do not satisfy nearly enough of his wishes I was always happy to see his smile when he saw I had programmed something he wanted. He was also a wonderful player all through his tenure. His quiet demeanor and thorough professionalism will be missed by all indiana’s musicians as well as his thorough knowledge of Kafka and other seemingly impossible imponderables! My condolences to you and your family at this difficult time from a colleague and great admirer.
Kirk Trevor
Sharron Howard says
Dear Mary and all of Kent’s family,
What a sad loss to a vast music community and a devastating loss to his lovely family. Kent was a colleague and friend for many years. A group of us were at your wedding 30 years ago. Please accept my sincere condolences.
A few quotes:
Frederica Von Stade-“I am intensely grateful for every moment of music making.”
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts-“I love rock and roll, so put another dime in the jukebox, baby.”
Alice Cooper-“Caught in a dream. So what.”
Bob Dylan-“May your heart always be joyful. May your song always be sung. May you stay forever young.”
Sharron Howard, Harriet Coppoc, and Jan Applegate
Cathy. A Gurley says
I am so sad to hear of Kent sudden passing. My deepest condolences to Mary Kent and family. I remember when Kent came to Lafayette Symphonie Orchestra. He uplifted the horn section and helped revitalize all the Brass. He was involved with the PAC and came to know him more personally. He taught my daughter Stephanie Gurley French Horn for 3 years. He always asked me how she was. I loved hearing his solos, such fine playing.
Barbara Burk Kennedy says
Dear Mary and family, I only just heard of Kent’s death and I am deeply saddened for your loss. I enjoyed performing with Kent many years ago. He was an excellent musician and human being. My love and condolences to you and your family.