Leonard Candelaria (born 1947) is an American trumpeter and educator residing in Birmingham, Alabama. Until Fall 2009, he served as Professor of Trumpet and Artist in Residence at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). Prior to his appointment at UAB, Leonard was, for 28 years (beginning fall 1974),[1] professor of trumpet at the University of North Texas College of Music, where he was eventually named Regents Professor of Music in the College of Music. He is recognized internationally as a teacher and performer, and has been a featured soloist in numerous concerts all over the world. He has often been praised for his high level of musicianship and artistry.
Candelaria has performed and recorded with the Dallas Symphony, and has also performed with numerous other orchestras, including the Texas Baroque Ensemble, the Fort Worth Symphony, the Dallas Bach Society, and many others. He received academic degrees from the University of North Texas (Bachelor of Music cum laude, 1972 and Master of Music Education, 1974) and Northwestern University (Doctor of Music - Trumpet Performance, 1985), studying with teachers such as John J. Haynie, Robert H. Fleming, Vincent Cichowicz and others. While studying at the University of North Texas, Candelaria was a member of the world-famous One O'clock Lab Band.