“(The book) helps to paint a picture of a man that became really revered as one of the most legendary figures in the history of Michigan State University,” said Bill McFarlin, director of Blue Lake Press, the organization that published the book.

Falcone — who has an international reputation as one of the world’s great euphonium baritone soloists and is a world-renowned conductor — began his musical career at 9 years old in a village in Italy.

Falcone immigrated to Michigan from Roseto Valfortore, Italy, at age 16, unable to speak English and in search of a job.

In 1927, after living in Ann Arbor for several years, Falcone was offered a position as the director of bands at MSU, where he served until 1967. He died in 1985.

Throughout his years as the band’s director, Falcone helped establish a national reputation for MSU’s band program and more specifically the Spartan Marching Band.

“He took over a band program that was just in its infancy and built it into a national powerhouse,” said McFarlin, who toured Europe with Falcone as a member of his staff with the Blue Lake International Band.

Associate Director of Bands John Madden also recognizes the work Falcone did for the marching band he now directs.

Madden said the renowned Spartan Marching Band would not be the success it is today without Falcone’s work.

“In many lifetimes, there will never be an impact on a band program like the one Leonard Falcone gave to Michigan State,” he said.

Comstock was a member of the MSU Concert Band, under the direction of Falcone, during the 1964-65 academic year.

The biography includes stories of Falcone’s career, his personal life and the history of the Spartan Marching Band.

“I want (my readers) to have a love and an understanding for Leonard Falcone and his contributions to MSU,” Comstock said.

Not only did Falcone have an impact on the band, but he also influenced its members — both past and present.

“Anybody that’s ever been in the (Spartan Marching Band) can’t help but have some influence and … a certain respect for the history of Leonard Falcone, because he really was the father of the (Spartan Marching Band),” McFarlin said.

Although Falcone was tremendously successful in terms of his professional accomplishments, McFarlin said Falcone’s greatest achievements were in his personal life.

“In addition to being an amazing virtuoso on his instrument and a demanding band master, perhaps his greatest legacy is the example he set as the man of honesty and integrity,” he said. “He set a very high personal standard for himself, which really helped to inspire everyone he came in contact with.”

Comstock plans to use all profits from the book to help children interested in studying music.