Leonard Ingrande

Leonard Ingrande is increasingly recognized as one of the most inspiring and exciting Conductors, Composers and Educators today with a significant impact on the world of classical music and music education. His career is marked by dedication to excellence in musical performance and a passion for nurturing the next generation of musicians. Leonard Ingrande, a native of San Diego, California,  played a crucial role in shaping his early interest in music. He began his musical journey at a young age, showing exceptional talent as pianist and later as a conductor. Ingrande pursued formal education at prestigious institutions, earning degrees in music education, piano performance and conducting.  He is a graduate from the University of Southern California where he earned his bachelor of Music degree in Piano and Music Education and proceeded to earn a Masters in Conducting from the same University. While attending USC, he studied piano with Bernardo Segal, Joanna Graudan and conducting with Daniel Lewis. Mr. Ingrande also received diplomas from Loma Linda University for conducting under the mentorship of Herbert Blomstedt.  Ingrande attended the Cleveland Institute of Music for piano, the  Aspen Music Festival for piano and conducting, and the Juilliard School of Music Extension division for conducting.  Ingrande is known for his dynamic and expressive conducting style, which brings out the best in the musicians he leads.  Ingrande has conducted a wide range of repertoire and has collaborated with some of the world's most esteemed soloists and ensembles.

​As an educator, Ingrande is committed to training young musicians and fostering a deep appreciation for music.   He was the Director of Instrumental Music at Central High School, where he  built a respected music department and was known for his rigorous and inspiring teaching methods. Mr. Ingrande's Wind Ensemble has received numerous awards along with several National Honors, selected to perform at the 2019 CASMEC Music Educators Conference Seattle, Washington D.C., Chicago Symphony Hall and Carnegie Hall. Ingrande has also developed educational programs and workshops aimed at reaching a broader audience and encouraging young people to pursue careers in music.

As a performer, Mr. Ingrande has conducted numerous Orchestras, Chamber Orchestras, Wind Ensembles, Honor Bands , Honor Orchestra and Operas, which include productions of Hansel and Gretel, Carmen, La Traviata,  Susannah, La Divina, The Medium, The Telephone, Amahl and the Night Visitors and Bernstein’s Trouble in Tahiti.  He has successfully conducted outstanding concert artists such as Pepe Romero, Anthony Newman, Nathaniel Rosen and David Shifrin. Maestro Ingrande has been Music Director of the Kings Symphony, Merced Symphony, Clovis Chamber Orchestra, California Opera Association Conductor in residence, and the Monteverdi Chamber Orchestra. Ingrande has performed in some of the finest concert halls in the United States including the Strathmore performing arts theater and Carnegie Hall. Mr. Ingrande made his European debut  with  the Teatrul National De Opera si Balet, Constanta  Romania, 2023.  He has premiered works by James Hobbs, David Ward Steinman, Mark Waters, Kenneth Froelich and the late Paul Creston.  He was selected as guest conductor for FMCMEA Intermediate Honor Orchestra , San Diego Summer Music Institute Orchestra, He has received the Who’s who Among Americas’ Teachers, Outstanding Young Men of America, Eisenhower Grant, Northwestern University Fellowship, Past President of CMEA Central Section, NCBA Educator of the year award, Band World Legion of Honor Laureate by the John Philip Sousa Foundation and in 2018 was given the  CMEA Byron Hoyt / Don Schmeer Band Educator Award.