Courtney Leonard

(Bass Player and Musical Director)

A passion for music and all of its facets was an evident trait that Courtney Leonard possessed at a young age. Born January 5, 1983, in Orlando, Florida, Courtney was seen as extremely talented with a natural knack for music. While in church Courtney started playing the drums at the age of 5, and unlike some, never lost his zeal for creating music. He quickly began learning multiple instruments such as the violin, guitar, trombone, tuba, and baritone.

During grade school Courtney joined his school’s band and was later invited to join the All-County and All-State Symphonic Bands. Later he became a member of his high school jazz band and led them to winning first place in the Walt Disney World Lynx Jazz Festival. In 2001 he was awarded the John Philip Sousa Award, the pinnacle of musical achievement honoring the top high school band student with superior musicianship and outstanding dedication. During these years Courtney continued playing multiple instruments; however, nothing penetrated his heart and held hisinterest like the bass guitar. His musical background paired with his love for the bass guitar inspired Courtney to expand his musical knowledge in all of its facets.

Courtney’s dedication and musicianship earned him a full scholarship to Bethune Cookman University in Daytona Beach, Florida, where he worked toward his degree in Music Education. Courtney joined Bethune Cookman’s Jazz Combo and quickly emerged as a natural leader. He became the Jazz Combo Student Conductor under the tutelage of Dr. Hiram Powell, which sparked his interest in becoming a Musical Director. Consequently he formed his own band outside of school which worked with the likes of Barbara Streisand, Patti LaBelle, Jaguar Wright, Vivian Green, The O’Jays, Najee, Sisaundra Lewis, Yolanda Adams, Marvin Sapp, Karen Clark-Sheard, Kim Burrell, and many other phenomenal artists.

During this time Courtney also began producing, first on Cheryl Leonard’s debut CD, and then with many other artists including The Central Florida Mass Choir, Phillip Martin, Leon Timbo, and Allen & Allen. He has also produced on projects such as The Gospel Music Workshop of America 2002 compilation CD and the Broadway Musical ‘Menopause’.

Upon completing college, Courtney decided to teach as a means of fulfilling his desire to nurture youth who were passionate about music. However, he quickly conquered all that Orlando had to offer musically, which spawned his relocation to Los Angeles, California.

After relocating Courtney’s relentless ambition created working opportunities with artists such as New Kids On The Block, T-Pain, Hillary Duff, Chris Brown, David Koz, Marcus Miller, Paul Jackson Jr., Donnie McClurkin, The Soul Seekers, and Kurt Carr to name a few.

As a musical director with a clear vision, Courtney’s “God given talent to adapt to any genre of music” is what pushes him daily toward his ultimate goal - to create timeless music that he hopes will be remembered long after he’s gone.

What Courtney says about the Sonuus Wahoo:

"The Sonuus Wahoo pedal is a bass players dream! I find that the envelope filter effects are very usable in both live and studio situations. The build quality is also second to none. After a grueling six month tour my pedal is still kicking! I would definitely recommend this pedal to any bassist looking for that sound that takes your artistic expression to the next level!"