Jonathan Leal has been involved in the world of marching percussion for nearly a decade, including performing experiences with the Revolution, Phantom Regiment, and Santa Clara Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps, as well as the renowned University of North
Texas Indoor Drumline. From 2004 to 2011, Jonathan competed in several national snare solo competitions (e.g., PAS, DCA, and DCI), winning or placing in the top three at nearly every event.
Recently, Jonathan had the pleasure of performing with the Ruff Drags, a multi-style, fusion-drumming ensemble directed by Michael Eagle, at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention.
In addition to being a performer, Jonathan is also a clinician and instructor. At the 2013 Flam Jamm in Corpus Christi, TX, he delivered a clinic on marching snare drum technique, practice methods, and rudimental solo composition, sharing the stage with such artists as Lalo Davlia, Casey Cangelosi, and Neil Sisauyhoat. Further, he was highlighted as a guest speaker and performer at the 2006 and 2012 Rio Grande Valley Day of Percussion, courtesy of Roberto Botello. He is currently a percussion instructor at the Santa Clara Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps under the guidance of Paul Rennick, and he has taught the Boston Crusaders Drum and Bugle Corps, the Guyer High School
Drumline, and private lessons in the Denton Independent School District under the direction of Ellis Hampton.
Over the years, Jonathan has had the opportunity to study with Paul Rennick, Ellis Hampton, Michael Eagle, Carlos and Roberto Botello, Mark Ford, Christopher Deane, and many other talented musicians. These individuals have helped shape his scholarly interest in the relationship between music and society, as well as his pedagogical aim to positively impact students' lives through the pursuit of musical excellence. In May of 2012, Jonathan earned his B.A. in English with a minor in music from the University of North Texas. He is currently completing an M.A. at the same institution, focusing now on literary and musical expressions of transnationalism in the U.S.-Mexico
borderlands.