Jesse-Ray Leich, a 2017 graduate from the University of Rhode Island, has gone on to play the drums for several musical theatre orchestras over the years, including multiple Broadway productions.
Born in Ecuador, Leich was adopted and grew up playing the drums in North Kingstown. He has been playing since he was just 4 years old, both in and out of school. Upon attending URI, Leich began his education as a jazz major and switched into music education at the end of his freshman year, where he completed his bachelor’s degree.
After graduation, Leich’s career in the musical theatre industry began quickly. He was offered a job he had applied for on Playbill to play the drums in a nine-month tour of “Motown: The Musical”, a mere couple months after graduation. Leich described how this initial job sparked a chain reaction of building connections within the industry that led to future jobs playing in musicals.
Over the years since graduating from URI, Leich has had an extremely successful career for his age. He has played in several musical theatre tours and eventually found his broadway debut in “Mr. Saturday Night Live,” where he was the youngest member of the orchestra.
“I’ve been so fortunate through the connections that I’ve made these past 6 years touring and doing broadway shows,” Leich said.
Not only has this career path led Leich to play the drums in Broadway pits, it has also allowed him to play venues throughout New York City since he moved there, such as at “54 Below,” a popular restaurant with live performances.
“My favorite thing about doing this is the amount of people I get to meet and the talented people I get to work with,” Leich said. “It’s really amazing; they’re wonderful people and it’s so cool to be a small part of this big machine that’s making this show happen for everybody to enjoy.”
Beyond his work playing in theatre productions, Leich aspires to work with artists on stage in concerts in the future, as well as possibly begin producing music.
Leich described the feeling of going from attaining his degree at URI to his success performing as a drummer. He discussed how unique it was to work and play for people within the industry who he had admired for years.
Leich’s career and success has given him a mindset that anything is achievable if one work’s for it and makes connections. He also described how important reputation is within the industry.
“It’s not just about your playing,” Leich said. “Obviously you need to be good, but you also need to be an easy person to work with and the type of person people want to work with.”
He offered advice about remaining determined and tenacious in life.
“If you really want to do it, you can and will do it,” Leich said. “If you have the goods you can do it from anywhere, you just have to be persistent.”
More information about Leich can be found on his website www.jesseraydrums.com .