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This webpage is to provide information on the talented and remarkable young musician William Franklyn Leathers, who was born in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada on January 27, 2001, exactly 245 years to the day after Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who was also born on January 27 but in the year 1756, in Getreidegasse, Salzburg, Austria.
William Leathers: Principal Trumpet from Nashville Symphony. "William Franklyn Leathers is a young and gifted musician at the forefront of dynamic trumpet performance. Born in Mississauga, Canada, the 21-year-old has been noted for 'the sparkling clarity' of his trumpet solos and has performed across Canada, the U.S., the U.K., and the Caribbean, earning awards and accolades as he gained increased recognition.
Excelling at music from a very young age, Leathers won his first piano competition before his fifth birthday. At twelve years old, he became the youngest trumpeter accepted into both the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra and the Mississauga Symphony Youth Orchestra. As the fourth Canadian classical trumpeter to attend The Juilliard School, William is currently a protege of both Christopher Martin and Raymond Mase. His previous instructors include Howard Leathers, Dr. Chris Cigolea, James Thompson, and Guy Few ...
William is a member of 2022 The National Brass Ensemble, which is comprised of the finest brass players in major orchestras across the United States. A major highlight of Leathers’ career thus far is his recent appointment as principal trumpet of the Nashville Symphony, following a successful blind audition in February 2022."
Canadian trumpeter to play for Nashville Symphony after crowdfunding tuition to Juilliard by Tom Yun, CTVNews.ca writer, @thetomyun Contact, Apr 4, 2022.
Canadian trumpeter, William Leathers, to play for Nashville Symphony, CTV News, Apr 4, 2022. Google Photo Album, Image source: CTV News with Lisa LaFlamme.
Mississauga trumpeter heading to Nashville Symphony after Juilliard graduation by Tyler Cheese, CBC News, Mar 28, 2022. "Mississauga's William Leathers, 21, is about to graduate from the Juilliard School in New York City. The trumpeter credits his success in Now, with graduation just around the corner, Leathers has already landed a coveted position with the Nashville Symphony in Tennessee as the orchestra's next principal trumpet player. He also made his Broadway debut in The Music Man over the weekend thanks to a friend in the show."
William Leathers performs "Son" for solo Horn by Horacio Fernández. YouTube video, 5:21 min. Published by Horacio Fernánd , Jun 29, 2020. "Sheet music: Available for any brass instrument. Wonderful and funky performance of my Son for Solo Horn by the one and only William Leathers! Edited, performed and produced by William Leathers. Filmed by Jonathan Petgrave. Music by Horacio Fernández Vázquez."
William Leathers Student and Kovner Fellow at Juilliard. Interview on Our Toronto, Video, 2:45 min. Streamed from Films & TV, June 20, 2020.
The Current for June 16, 2020. CBC Radio, Posted: Jun 16, 2020 10:09 AM ET. Listen to the full episode - 1:14:29. Matt Galloway: "And when Mississauga teen and trumpet prodigy William Leathers won a place at New York's prestigious Juilliard School in 2018, crowdfunders stepped in to help him cover the first two years of his $91k tuition. Now as he heads into his third year, he has some exciting news."
Canadian who crowdfunded his way to Juilliard wins scholarship, shares gift with class of 2020 by Ryan Flanagan, CTVNews.ca Writer, @flanaganryan, June 15, 2020. "A Canadian trumpeter who crowdfunded his education at a prestigious American music school no longer has to rely on the kindness of strangers - and he's celebrating by giving something back.
William Leathers launched the crowdfunding campaign in 2018, after he was accepted to the Juilliard School in New York City, because he was unable to afford the four-year tuition cost of $364,000. Now 19, Leathers will no longer have to rely on the strangers whose donations covered his first two years at Juilliard. He has won a scholarship that will cover his tuition going forward. The scholarship is awarded based on faculty recommendations, grades and community involvement.
"Teen trumpeter crowdfunding Juilliard tuition plans to 'pay it forward' - 'Getting this scholarship kind of feels like a team win to me, because of all my donors and supporters,' Leathers told CTV's Your Morning on Monday, [June 15, 2020] from his home in Mississauga, Ont. 'I don't feel that I would have got to this point if it weren't for all those people that really gave so much to me.'
As has been the case for most students, Leathers' education has been significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. He and his fellow Juilliard musicians are unable to play together in person, though they have recorded a few pieces individually and combined their videos to simulate an ensemble performance.
Leathers has also taken the time to produce a little gift for Canadian students who are graduating without traditional ceremonies this year: a video of him playing 'O Canada' on the trumpet that can substitute for a live performance of the anthem.
'I thought, since most students ... aren't going to have a real graduation ceremony this year due to COVID-19 ... what I decided to do is put together a rendition of my version of 'O Canada' so people can have a little bit of live music for their graduation,' he said."
Trumpeter who crowdfunded his way to Juilliard receives a full scholarship from CTV News Lethbridge, Facebook, June 15, 2020. "Now, William Leathers is working with faculty members to support a scholarship fund for young artists."
Trumpeter Receives a Full Scholarship from CTV News, June 2020.
O Canada: Class of 2020 by William Leathers. YouTube video, 2:16 min. Published by Digital Desk, Jun 8, 2020. O Canada (in quarantine). "William Leathers, a 19-year-old Mississauga trumpet player, was accepted into the Juilliard School in New York. Tuition at the school costs about C$91,000 per year - totalling $364,000 for a four-year undergrad program. On June 3 [2020], he learned he had been selected for the school's Kovner scholarship, which will cover his tuition and living expenses over the next two years."
Mississauga trumpet player awarded prestigious Juilliard School scholarship by Miriam Lafontaine, Staff Reporter, Toronto Star, June 8, 2020. "A 19-year-old Mississauga trumpet player granted entry into the Juilliard School in New York won’t have to worry any longer about covering expenses for the prestigious school, after learning he was awarded a scholarship for the remainder of his studies.
'The Kovner is not something you can apply for, it's only faculty that can recommend you,' his mother, Donna Leathers, told the Star. Tuition at the school costs about $91,000 Canadian per year - totalling $364,000 for a four-year undergraduate program."
William Leathers plays Trumpet solo from Tumbao. YouTube video, 1:09 min. Published by Horacio Fernández, Apr 6, 2020. "Score Available. Story Behind the Music: Tumbao.
William Franklyn Leathers in Concert - Performance at the Aga Khan Museum. Saturday, February 23, 2019, 8 pm. Tickets: $45, $40 Friends, $40 students and seniors - Includes same-day Museum admission. SOLD OUT!
"In celebration of Black History Month, we invite you to join us for an unforgettable performance from William Franklyn Leathers, a young trumpet and piano virtuoso with an extraordinary gift. At 17, he is already a multi-award-winning musician.
Now a student at the famed Juilliard School in New York City, Leathers takes the stage at the Museum with his father, Howard Leathers, trumpeter and vocalist, to share their musical father-son story. They'll be joined by an ensemble of supporting musicians to play music ranging from jazz and blues, to gospel, reggae, classical, and more.
This performance is part of our 2018/19 Performing Arts season, The Other Side of Fear, featuring acclaimed artists who have transcended fear through music, dance, and spoken
word. Making his mark in the music world at such a young age, Leathers has displayed a remarkable bravery and determination that defies the odds." ~ Aga Khan Museum.
These two young Black musicians are shattering stereotypes with every note by Royson James, Star Columnist, The Star, 15 Feb 2019. "William Leathers and Rashaan Allwood are performing at Toronto's Aga Khan Museum stage as part of the Black History Month series.
Last year, ... Leathers, 18, became one of just three trumpeters to be accepted to the elite undergraduate music program at the legendary Juilliard School of Music in New York. When people heard the youth needed $91,000 a year to accept the offer, they quickly covered his first-year cost, via crowdfunding.
Royson James also tells us "how Leathers sees eight-hour practice days as the norm, his career aspiration to perform around the globe, his maturity, his published gratitude to the many people who donated to his crowdfunding, his promise to 'make you proud,' and his pledge to give any excess money raised to a foundation to help other youth pay for expensively prestigious education."
James further recounts that "From an interview with Lifelong Leadership Institute in 2016, Leathers said the children TV cartoon character Oswald, the piano-playing octopus, inspired his passion for music. 'When I was about 4 years old ... I wanted to play the piano just like Oswald. As I watched him play, I could see the colours of the notes coming out of the speakers. I wasn't aware then that everybody did not see music in colour the way I do. Later, I learned that I had synesthesia ... a neurological phenomenon in which stimulation of one sensory or cognitive pathway leads to automatic, involuntary experiences in a second sensory or cognitive pathway. People who report a lifelong history of such experiences are known as synesthetes. There are 64-plus types of synesthesia; I have a number of them, but the one that gives me the ability to see music in colour is musical synesthesia. After begging my parents for six months to allow me to play the piano, my mom finally found a piano teacher willing to take me in at such a young age. Five to six months after my first lesson, I entered the Peel Music Festival at the Grade 3 level and won.'"
This teen trumpeter crowd-funded his way through two semesters at Juilliard. YouTube video, 4:45 min. Your Morning Published on Feb 8, 2019 by Your Morning. Willam Leathers was one of only three undergraduate trumpeters to be accepted to the prestigious school. YOUR MORNING is hosted by Ben Mulroney and Anne-Marie Mediwake.
Little Trumpet Boy. YouTube video, 5:26 min. Published on May 30, 2018 by Samsung Canada. William Leathers is 17 years old. Unlike most 17-year-olds, William has perfect pitch and synesthesia.
This Toronto teen trumpeter is crowdfunding his way through Juilliard | Your Morning. YouTube video, 5:39 min. Published on May 11, 2018 by Your Morning. Hosted by Ben Mulroney and Anne-Marie Mediwake, YOUR MORNING delivers a fresh perspective on today's headlines. William Leathers, a 17-year-old from Toronto, joins us to talk about getting into the prestigious Juilliard school in New York City and how he plans on paying for it.
Teen trumpeter crowdfunding Juilliard tuition plans to 'pay it forward' by Jeff Lagerquist, CTVNews.ca Staff, May 11, 2018. "A teenaged Toronto trumpet player attempting to crowdfund his education at one of the world's most prestigious performing arts conservatories plans to 'pay it forward' by helping other young musicians overcome financial hurdles to their success."
This Toronto teen trumpet player beat the odds and got into Juilliard - and now he's crowdfunding to pay for it. https://t.co/buqQHzDCzO. TorontoStar (@TorontoStar) May 4, 2018
17-year-old Toronto trumpeter reaches crowdfunding goal to attend Juilliard. William Leathers raises more than $65,500 to help pay for 1st year of prestigious school's program. CBC News, May 2, 2018.
Thank you so much!
Teen trumpeter crowdfunding $91K Juilliard tuition. YouTube video, 6:38 min. Published on May 1, 2018 by CBC News. "Toronto teen trumpet prodigy William Leathers is raising money to pay his tuition at New York's prestigious Juilliard School, which can cost $364,000 for four years."
Help William go to Juilliard! The Story: "Thanks for coming to my YouCaring page! Note: YouCaring is Now Part of GoFundMe! ~ October, 2018.
My name is William Franklyn Leathers, and I was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. I've been playing the piano since the age of four, and when I was 12 years old, I became the youngest trumpeter accepted into the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra, as well as the Halton Mississauga Youth Orchestra. So it was a dream come true for me when I received my acceptance letter to The Juilliard School, since I'm one of only three trumpeters that were accepted to Juilliard this year.
The biggest challenge for me, right now, is being able to cover tuition and housing expenses. My parents are doing their best, but right now we're in a bit of a funding shortfall. The total cost for Juilliard is $71,000 in US dollars per year for four years, which comes out to roughly $91,000 every year in Canadian dollars. We've been able to put together about $25,500 so far, and unfortunately scholarships and grants are harder to come by as an international student. So I'm raising money to at least cover the first year, and we'll see where it goes from there.
I've wanted to go to Juilliard for as long as I can remember, and I'll never forget the look on my parents' face when we opened the acceptance letter. But the reality is, there's a pretty big gap between what our family can come up with, and what it costs for tuition, housing, and books. So if you can find it in your heart to help, my family and I would appreciate it so much.
Thanks again, and I hope to make everyone proud!"
As of May 3, 2018, at 8:08 am, $73,700 of $65,500 goal has been raised by 1,380 donors.
From William Leathers - Posted on May 2, 2018:
Thank you so much!
I'd like to say thanks to all of you who have contributed to helping me attend Juilliard. My parents and I have been overwhelmed by your response. Getting this kind of help was not something we planned for, but once news got out through media and word of mouth, you stepped up with kindness and generosity.
My parents and I really thought hard about what to do if we were able to raise enough to cover my first year's fees. I appreciate the support, and I know there are so many other young people who need help, just like I do. So I'm pledging to create a scholarship fund, and will donate 10% of everything I raise through this crowdfunder. If we somehow manage to raise enough to cover all four years, I will be donating that extra amount to the scholarship fund as well.
Fundraising like this is an area I'm completely new to, so if there are people who work in education and nonprofit fundraising that can help us put this program together, we would very much appreciate your guidance.
For everyone who donated, whether small or large amounts, the idea that you are giving your resources to some 17-year-old you've never met is humbling. I was especially moved by those who gave even $5 to help, and that's going to stick with me. Maybe it was your pocket or lunch money. Maybe you had been saving it for something special. Maybe that's all you had. I don't know, but it really matters to me.
To all of you who gave, and are still giving, thank you! On those days at school when things get tough, your kindness and belief in me will get me through.
Blessings,
William Leathers
Young music prodigy aims for a classical career. William Leathers is featured in Ron Fanfare. A brief biography of William Leathers published in Ron Fanfair, 1 March 2018. "Graduating a year early from Oakville Trafalgar High School, Leathers is preparing to enter university later this year to pursue classical trumpet performance studies.
He's already auditioned for the Eastman and Juilliard Schools of Music and will visit the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia on March 5 [2018] for his last test.
'After the auditions, I will wait to see which schools select me and which has the potential for scholarships,' said Leathers. 'I will make my decision based on that.'
... The music journey started at four while Leathers was watching 'Oswald', the animated television series. The main character - Oswald was a large, round, blue octopus - played the piano.
'I wanted to play the piano just like Oswald,' recounted Leathers. 'As I watched him play, I could see the colours of the notes coming out of the speakers. I wasn't aware then that everyone didn't see music in colour the way I do.'
He was later diagnosed with synesthesia that's a condition where input in one sensory stream gives rise to experiences in another unstimulated sensory stream. One of the most common forms is grapheme-color synesthesia, where looking at or thinking about letters or numbers written in black elicits the experience of color.
Nearly six months of incessant pleading to learn to play the piano paid off when Leathers' mom - Jamaican-born Donna Leathers - provided her son with a music teacher. About five months after his first session, he came out on top in the Peel Music Festival Grade three level piano competition.
Howard Leathers inspired his son to pick up the trumpet at age seven ..."
William Leathers - Hark The Herald. YouTube video, 6:32 min. Published on Dec 5, 2017 by Twentyfive Musical. From Friday, December 1, 2017, 8-10 pm Performance at Queen Elizabeth Theatre, 190 Princes' Blvd, Toronto ON M6K 3C3. "The Pinball Clemons Foundation invites you to support the 3rd annual holiday show in support of under-resourced youth, locally and around the world. Michael & Diane Clemons host a night filled with celebrity guests, great music and holiday cheer!"
This summer, William Leathers is attending Curtis Summerfest at the Curtis Insititute of Music, located at 1726 Locust St. Philadelphia, PA 19103 USA, from July 16 to August 5, 2017. "The Young Artist Summer Program is an intensive three-week course that offers a taste of what conservatory life is like! Participants play in orchestra and chamber groups ... and study privately with top musicians." ~ https://www.facebook.com/CurtisSummerfest.
William is the principal trumpet for the Orchestra and his Chamber group at the 2017 Curtis Summerfest. Very fortunately for William, he also did a Master class with David Bilger, the Principal trumpeter for the Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra.
A note on Professor David Bilger: "... one of the greatest orchestral trumpet players of today. David Bilger has been Principal trumpet at the Philadelphia Orchestra since 1995 and is Professor for trumpet at the Curtis Institute and Temple University. As an acclaimed soloist, Bilger has toured with several major orchestras across the US, as well as performing numerous masterclasses at institutions including the Juilliard School, Manhattan School of Music and Peabody Conservatory." ~ Play with a Pro: Trumpet Lessons, David Bilger, trumpet warmup and trumpet fundamentals. Video, 5:17 min.
O Canada - Single. 2:07 min. A beautiful rendition of Canada's national anthem recorded by William Leathers on SoundCloud, 30 June 2017, just in time for Canada's 150th birthday on July 1, 2017. As William plays both the piano and the trumpet rather well, he has merged two separate musical tracks (one he plays on the piano and the other on the trumpet) into one. The sound clip you hear consists of music from both the piano and the trumpet smoothly combined at very precise moments. Sounds really good.
Ron Lenyk Inspiring Youth Arts Award 2017 Winners from Living Arts Centre. 2017 Award Winners: William Leathers, Age 16, Pernia Jamshed Age 18, Alessia Cohle Age 23, and Abhishek Iyer Age 25.
"The Awards are designed to support, foster and celebrate young talent in Mississauga. Each year, up to two $1000 awards will be presented to individuals in two age categories (ages 12-18 and 19-25) who have contributed to the growing art scene within Mississauga and have begun to establish themselves and make an impact in their chosen field."
"William Leathers, a pianist and a trumpeter, has an impressive list of achievements in the musical arts, starting from when he won the Peel Music festival at the grade 3 level when he was only 5 years old. He was the youngest trumpeter accepted into the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra and the Halton Mississauga Youth Orchestra. This June [2017], William will graduate from high school (two years early!) and he plans to pursue his BA, Masters, and then his PhD in Music."
On the 2017 Living Arts site, you can click to hear examples of the work of William Leathers:
1. "Haydn Movement 3 - William Leathers" - Trumpet playing by William Leathers on SoundCloud from Living Arts Centre, 4:00 min.
2. "Liszt Hungarian Rhapsody No. 6 - William Leathers" - Piano playing by William Leathers on SoundCloud from Living Arts Centre, 7:27 min.
16 year old William Leathers plays the piano at Hazel McCallion's Do Your Homework Exhibit
YouTube video, 3:02 min. Published on Apr 16, 2017 by sq1oac2. "At the grand piano is William Leathers, a 16-year-old musical prodigy, a highly accomplished trumpeter and pianist. He is invited to perform on the opening day of Do Your Homework: A Tribute to Hazel McCallion Exhibition, April 12, 2017."
Follow William Leathers on Twitter: https://twitter.com/leathersboy?lang=en
Tweet from Tammie Sutherland: William Leathers Retweeted - Tammie Sutherland?Verified account @citytammie - Jan 29, 2017 - "Under that amazing fro is one of the most talented 16 year olds I've ever seen! @leathersboy w/a very special performance at #BHM kickoff." [2017 Black History Month Kick-Off]
@leathersboy #Canada150 2017 Black History Month Kick-Off Brunch. Get a glimpse of William Leather's performance at the 2017 Black History Month Kick-Off Brunch. Short video clip, 0:27 min.
O Holy Night - 15 yr-old William Leathers (trumpet) & Immanuel Aziz (guitar)
YouTube video, 6:05 min. Published on Dec 27, 2016 by elseniadixon. "Christmas Eve service at Portico Church, Dec. 23rd, 2016."
TSYO Brass 2016
YouTube video, 9:17 min. Published on Sep 16, 2016 by elseniadixon. In this video, William Leathers plays the trumpet among the group of 14 brass players under the direction of a conductor. "For more than 40 years, the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra (TSYO) has been dedicated to providing a high-level orchestral experience for talented young musicians aged 22 and under." ~ Info from https://www.tso.ca/toronto-symphony-youth-orchestra
Creating a Better Canada and Empowering Youth. An Equal Justice Canada conference held at Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre, Al Green Theatre, 4 April 2017. "William Leathers | Performer. In 2013, at 12 years old, William Franklyn Leathers became the youngest trumpeter to be accepted in the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra and the Halton Mississauga Youth Orchestra. This accomplished young pianist was one of 8 musicians from around the world invited in 2010 to perform in the 'Young Artists Inspired by Glenn Gould' concert at Rideau Hall, for His Excellency, The Right Honourable David Johnston and other dignitaries. William was the 2015 winner of the HMYO concerto competition and the 2015 MARTY emerging performing artist award, presented by the Mississauga Arts Council ..."
Eleven Questions for a Fifteen-Year-Old Musical Prodigy - Musician William Leathers Pushes Towards His Goals. Article published in June 2016 by the Lifelong Leadership Institute (LLI), Toronto, Canada. A few excerpts: "William Leathers is a 15-year-old musical prodigy who currently attends Oakville Trafalgar Secondary School. He is a highly accomplished trumpeter and pianist. Since 2013, he has performed with the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra (TSYO) where he is the only Black musician ...
In my elementary school, Fern Hill Oakville, I was allowed to skip a grade, and at the same time, I was allowed to work ahead. Therefore, I graduated a year early with four high school credits: Grade 9 Core French, Grade 9 Informational Technology, Grade 9 Academic Math, and Grade 10 Academic Math. When I entered high school in the fall of 2014, I was already ahead, so today in grade 10, I have 21 of the 30 credits that I need to graduate from high school. My plan is to graduate with all of my high school credits by the end of Grade 11 ...
My goal is to study as many aspects of music as possible. I'd like to study conducting, performance in piano, trumpet, and voice, and I'd like to be a classical and jazz soloist. I plan to complete my PhD in music. Afterwards, I'd like to travel the world performing ...
I really enjoyed the opportunity to play the Henri Tomasi Trumpet Concerto in the Häkan Hardenberger masterclass in March 2016. However, my most memorable TSYO [Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra] memory came after my audition at 12 years old, going onto the orchestra's website three days later to see my name listed as a member of the TSYO. That was a great day for me ...
On March 10th, I had the honor of playing at a masterclass which was conducted by one of the world's top classical trumpeters, Häkan Hardenberger. A week later, I traveled with my trumpet teacher, Dr. Chris Cigolea, to the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, where I performed in a masterclass with another phenomenal trumpeter, one of Eastman's classical trumpet professors, James Thompson. I also had the opportunity of sitting in a masterclass conducted by Mark Gould, classical trumpet professor at Juilliard School of Music and Wynton Marsalis's past-professor. At Eastman, I also had the opportunity to play an unreleased trumpet prototype which was manufactured by S.E. Shires, and to attend a Baroque trumpet masterclass conducted by Brian Shaw, classical trumpet professor of Louisiana State University. All three professors greatly admired my playing. I plan to do a summer course at Eastman this year. My goal is to go to both Eastman and Juilliard for my B.A., Masters and PhD ...
Aside from technique, it is also important to keep your daily practice time sufficient and consistent. One of my reasons for pushing to finish high school two years early is because I would like to spend my "gap" year practising for 8-12 hours per day. Practising for this amount of time per day will be most effective once I put in the right type of work and effort ...
Last summer [2015], I was invited to perform at the Calabar Old Boys Association (COBA) Gala in Toronto. The guest speaker was an alumnus of Calabar and the longest-serving Prime Minister of Jamaica, the Honourable P.J. Patterson. After my performance, a member of Mr. Patterson's entourage asked for my email address. A couple of days later, I got an email inviting me to perform at Devon House in Kingston, Jamaica, on November 2015, for their 134th Anniversary Benefit Concert. This was a great honor for me. My mother is Jamaican and I have always loved Jamaica, even though I had never been there. I also love to play Jamaican music, so this was my opportunity to finally visit ...
The people who have the greatest influence in my life are my parents. They insist that it is important to be a great musician, but it is more important to be a good person and to have the right mindset. They taught me that my talent is a gift from God and that when I am given a gift like that, I have a responsibility to share and to use it for the betterment of the human race ..."
William Leathers for Devon House concert. Published 13 Nov 2015 in The Gleaner, Established in 1834, Kingston, Jamaica WI. "Born in Canada to Jamaican parents, Leathers will be among a star-studded line-up for the Devon House 134h Anniversary Benefit Concert on the property, Saturday, November 21 [2015], starting with cocktails at 6:30 p.m. Show time is 8 p.m. The concert is being held under the distinguished patronage of the Most Honourable P.J. Patterson, ON, OCG, PC, QC. ...
Leathers has been playing the piano since he was four years old, and at seven, he became the youngest piano player ever in the Fern High School's grade seven and eight jazz band. In 2010, Leathers was one of eight musicians from around the world invited to perform at the Young Artists Inspired by Glenn Gould concert, held at Rideau Hall, Canada.
Leathers started playing the trumpet at eight years old, and in 2013, became the youngest trumpeter to be accepted in the Toronto Symphony and also the Halton Mississauga Youth Orchestra. One of his greatest gifts is synesthesia, a rare brain function that gives him the amazing ability to see music in colour.
He had the privilege recently of spending an hour with renowned trumpeter
Rachmaninov: Prelude in G minor; William Leathers
YouTube video, 4:31 min. Published on Jul 12, 2016 by elseniadixon. "14 year old William Leathers playing Rachmaninov: Prelude in G minor [piano] at the Off Centre Music Salon, September 2015."
14 year old William Leathers performs Many Rivers to Cross at COBA Brunch 2015
YouTube video, 6:04 min. Published on Aug 31, 2015 by elseniadixon. "William Leathers performs Many Rivers to Cross by Jimmy Cliff at COBA (Calabar Old Boy Association) luncheon 2015. Guest speaker Hon. P J Patterson, Prime Minister of Jamaica, 1992 to 2006."
14 year old William Leathers performs Georgia on my mind at COBA brunch 2015
YouTube video, 5:54 min. Published on Aug 31, 2015 by elseniadixon. "William Leathers performs Georgia on my mind [trumpet] at COBA (Calabar Old Boy Association) luncheon on August 30th 2015. Guest speaker Hon. P J Patterson, Prime Minister of Jamaica, 1992 to 2006."
Father & Son on Fathers Day. William & Howard Leathers. YouTube video, 3:37 min. Published on Jun 22, 2015 by William Leathers. 1st trumpet son William Leathers, 2nd trumpet father Howard Leathers, Fathers Day, 2015 at Portico.
Mississauga Arts Council announces 2015 MARTY Nominees. NEWS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, March 21, 2015. Emerging Performing Arts: List of Nominees includes William Leathers.
2015 MARTYS Nominees from Mississauga Arts Council: Emerging Performing Arts: "William Leathers
At 12, William Franklin Leathers became the youngest trumpeter ever in the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra. One year later in 2014, he became principal trumpeter. William is also a gifted pianist who has played The Glenn Gould Studio; and in Rideau Hall for Governor General David Johnston and other dignitaries."
Mary did you know with 13 yr. old William Leathers on trumpet
YouTube video, 4:07 min. Published on 24 Dec 2014 by elseniadixon. "Christmas Eve at Portico Church, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, 2014."
13-year-old William Leathers plays Hungarian Rhapsody No. 6 by Franz Liszt
YouTube video, 8:28 min. Published on Nov 7, 2014 by elseniadixon. "Glenn Gould Studio, October 26th 2014, 13 year old William Leathers [piano]." See also Short Bio (100 words max): "William has been playing the piano since he was 4. In 2010, William performed in the 'Young Artists Inspired by Glenn Gould' concert at Rideau Hall. He plays for causes such as the 'Ozone Project Hope' which raises funds for widows and orphans abroad; and for the 'Tears Are Not Enough Night' to raise funds for the Chinese earthquake victims. Since his 5th birthday, William has been collecting money for World Vision in lieu of gifts. He studies with Boris Zarankin and Inna Perkis."
What a Wonderful World - William Leathers - COBA Dinner Concert
YouTube video, 5:22 min. Published on Sep 6, 2014 by Dwight Gunning. "Musical prodigy William Leathers performing What a Wonderful World at the COBA Dinner Concert on August 30th 2014 in Toronto."
Fern Hill School Featured Alumni. "William Leathers - Class of 2014 Alumni. While at Fern Hill, William entertained us with his incredible musical talent which also gained him a position as First Trumpet in the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra. Now a graduate, William continues to play and shared with us his plans for his university career ..."
GYSO. Featuring William Leathers on piano playing Mozart's Pianoforte Concerto No. 23
YouTube video, 17:22 min. Published on June 8, 2014 by elseniadixon. "May 23rd at 7:30 pm at Harcourt Memorial United Church - The GYSO (Guelph Youth Symphony Orchestra). Featuring William Leathers on piano playing Mozart's Pianoforte Concerto No. 23."
12 yr old William Leathers Christmas Eve 2013
YouTube video, 4:23 min. Published on Dec 24, 2013 by elseniadixon. "12 yr old William Leathers plays Oh Holy Night on Christmas Eve [trumpet], 2013. At Portico Church Mississauga."
Hallelujah chorus William Leathers on piccolo trumpet.
YouTube video, 3:58 min. Published on Dec 17, 2013 by elseniadixon. "Fern Hill School Christmas concert 2013. William Leathers on piccolo trumpet."
Wynton Marsalis and 12 yr. old William Leathers
YouTube video, 14:13 min. Published on Dec 10, 2013 by elseniadixon. "Wynton Marsalis and 12 year trumpeter William Leathers at Massey Hall Toronto, December 9, 2013."
12 yr. old William Leathers plays Aram Kaciaturian Toccata
YouTube video, 5:01 min. Published on May 6, 2014 by elseniadixon. "Off Centre Music Salon 18th Anniversary [piano] April 28th, 2013."
How Great Thou Art by William Leathers
YouTube video, 4:35 min. Published on Apr 10, 2013 by elseniadixon. "12 yr old William Leathers sings and play the Trumpet: How Great Thou Art on March the 31st, [2013] Easter Sunday at Portico Church, Mississauga, Ontario."
11 yr. old William Leathers & Howard Leathers on Trumpet
YouTube video, 5:14 min. Published by elseniadixon, 30 Dec 2012. Description: "March 27, 2012, playing at a charity event in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. 'Brighter Day'". Description on YouTube video: "William Leathers and Howard Leathers on trumpet with the Emmanual Gospel band, April 14th, 2012."
11 year old William Leathers sings How Great Thou Art
YouTube video, 4:42 min. Published on Jun 2, 2012 by elseniadixon. "11 year old William singing and playing the trumpet at a vocal recital at Holy Name of Mary School on June 1st 2012."
William leathers 11 yrs old jazz night at Fern Hill School.
YouTube video, 4:21 min. Published on May 24, 2012 by elseniadixon. "Fern Hill School jazz night. Music
'What a Wonderful World' (In the Style of Eva Cassidy)."
Fern Hill School Art Show 2012 - Music Duet
YouTube video, 2:33 min. Published on May 11, 2012 by elseniadixon. "What a Wonderful World - Performed by Bridget Manzella [violin] & William Leathers [piano] on May 7, 2012."
11 yr. old William Leathers & Howard Leathers on Trumpet
YouTube video, 5:14 min. Published on Dec 30, 2012 by elseniadixon. "March 27th, 2012, playing at a charity event in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. 'Brighter Day'."
William Leathers 11 yrs. old. The cat and the mouse by Aaron Copeland.
YouTube video, 4:19 min. Published on Apr 16, 2012 by elseniadixon. "11 year old William Leathers performing at the Glenn Gould Studio in Toronto [piano], March 25th 2012."
10 year old William Leathers playing one note for a minute on trumpet.
YouTube video, 1:09 min. Published on Apr 21, 2011 by elseniadixon. "Jazz night at school, 10 year old trumpet player plays one note for over a minute. His record is 11 minutes."
A Musical Affair: You Raise Me Up, the Prayer, How Great Thou Art.
YouTube video, 13:38 min. Published on Mar 26, 2011 by elseniadixon. "10 year old William Leathers performing [singing and playing keyboard for first two songs, then trumpeting and singing for How Great Thou Art] at a concert on March 12, 2011."
William Leathers 9 yrs. old A CONCERT AT RIDEAU HALL
YouTube video, 10:15 min. Published on Apr 15, 2011 by elseniadixon. "Performing [piano] at Rideau Hall in Ottawa [3 Dec 2010]."
Concert with Young Artists in Tribute to Glenn Gould by the Governor General of Canada, His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston. "Their Excellencies the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, and Mrs. Sharon Johnson are pleased to present, in collaboration with the Glenn Gould Foundation, an evening concert entitled, Young Artists Inspired by Glenn Gould. This exclusive concert will feature eight emerging musicians from Canada and abroad who will perform at Rideau Hall, on Friday, December 3, 2010, at 7 p.m.
The two-hour concert is a tribute to the late Glenn Gould, one of Canada's most iconic musicians of the 20th century. The evening's performances will feature a program of Bach, Wagner, Strauss, Brahms, Beethoven and Ravel, as interpreted or arranged by Gould. The young artists taking the stage range in age from nine to 25 years old:
● William Leathers, Piano - Canada
● KaJeng Wong, Piano - Hong Kong
● Wallis Giunta, Mezzo-soprano - Canada
● Miguel Ángel Cegarra, Cello - Venezuela
● Marika Bournaki, Piano - Canada
● Tina Chong, Piano - Canada
● Mehdi Ghazi, Piano - Algeria
● Georgy Tchaizde, Piano - Russia>
William Leathers 9 years old playing Kabalevsky op. 40 A Minor.
YouTube video, 4:41 min. Published on Nov 24, 2010 by elseniadixon. "9 year old William Leathers playing [piano] at the Glenn Gould Studio in Toronto, Canada."
Canada's Leaders Salute Young Artists Inspired by Gould. ( William Leathers )
YouTube video, 31:23 min. Published on May 21, 2014 by elseniadixon."A concert at Rideau Hall with Their Excellencies the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, and Mrs. Sharon Johnston. Called Young Artists Inspired by Glenn Gould, the evening's programme was a thrilling musical experience paying tribute to works that Gould performed or arranged. The Foundation presented the concert both to honour and demonstrate Gould's international impact and to highlight and advance the careers of exceptional emerging musicians, such as William Franklyn Leathers. Dec. 3rd, 2010."
William Leathers 8 years old.
YouTube video, 3:29 min. Published on Nov 24, 2010 by elseniadixon. "William Leathers at 8 years old in 2009 playing [piano] at the Glenn Gould Studio in Toronto, Canada."
William Leathers 7 years old.
YouTube video, 2:06 min. Published by elseniadixon.
William Leathers 7 years old
YouTube video, 2:05 min. Published on Jan 1, 2015 by William Leathers.
Young piano prodigy performs charitable acts by Dominik Kurek, Mississauga News, COMMUNITY Nov 17, 2008. "Although he's only 7, William Franklyn Leathers has embraced the adage that it's better to give than to receive ... At the age of 4, William and his mother Donna Leathers were watching television when a World Vision ad came on showing hungry people. 'It made me sad,' he said of the commercial ... So, on his fifth birthday, William asked his friends and classmates from Fern Hill School in Oakville to bring money to contribute to World Vision instead of gifts. The funds topped $500 that year, more than $600 on his sixth birthday and another $1,090 on his seventh birthday ...
When he turned 7, William began receiving an allowance. With the money, he decided to sponsor a girl - Nishanthini Sathasivam - through World Vision. Through sheer happenstance, Nishanthini shares William's birthday down to the time of day ...
Because his allowance isn't enough to support a child, he [William Leathers] raises money doing occasional concerts for seniors by playing piano and singing ... He has a condition called synesthesia, which in his case, allows him to see sound. His mother describes it as a kind of sixth sense. Aside from playing piano at an early age, he was also reading and writing before the age of two."
World Vision presentation at 5th & 6th B-Day party by William Leathers
YouTube video, 2:43 min. Published on Dec 30, 2012 by elseniadixon. "Power point presentation on his charity 'World Vision'. Every year for his birthday he asks people to go to his page on worldvision.ca and get a gift for a more needy person."
