Calhoun's Show Band Hits a High Note with National Awards and Feature in Downbeat Magazine

What started as a bold idea just three years ago has now exploded onto the national stage. Calhoun Community College’s Show Band is turning heads in the music world, winning not one but three major music industry honors and landing a prestigious feature in Downbeat Magazine, one of the most respected voices in music journalism.

The ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Matt Leder, earned the Downbeat Student Music Award for Outstanding Performance in the Blues Pop Rock category, a distinction widely regarded as the collegiate equivalent of winning a Grammy. Even more impressive, Calhoun is the first community college in this region to earn a Downbeat Award, and just the second collegiate group in Alabama to ever receive the honor.

"This award is a major milestone not just for our band but for Calhoun as a whole," said Leder. "Students are getting real world experience with top professionals in the industry. We record, tour, and perform at a wide range of venues. Our students learn by reading music and playing by ear. The best part is, we are just getting started. We are proud of our students and excited for what is to come."

But the accolades do not stop there. The Show Band also received two Global Music Awards, another international recognition that puts them on a level with some of the most celebrated musicians in the world. The band earned a Bronze Medal Finalist Award, and vocalist Lizzy McCrary also brought home a Bronze Medal Finalist Award for her outstanding solo performance. Calhoun was the only college to be recognized with a Global Music Award in this cycle.

Calhoun President Dr. Jimmy Hodges shared his enthusiasm and pride for the group. “This recognition is a powerful reminder of what happens when you combine talent, passion, and world class instruction,” said Hodges. “We are incredibly proud of our students and of Dr. Leder for leading this program with vision and heart. They represent the very best of what Calhoun stands for,” adds Hodges.

The Show Band began with just four students and has since grown into three distinct ensembles: the award-winning Show Band, the Popular Music Ensemble, and the Jazz Combo. The program offers full scholarships, real performance experience, and access to a professional network of artists and mentors. Students can earn degrees in Music Technology or follow the music transfer track, preparing them to continue their music education at the university level.

Dr. Leder is currently scheduling auditions for the upcoming season and invites all students with a passion for music to consider joining Calhoun’s growing music program. “If you love music and want to be part of something innovative, creative, and exciting, we want you here,” Leder said. “We are going to keep pushing boundaries, building talent, and making music that matters. As Clark Terry said, we are going to keep on keepin’ on.”

To learn more about Calhoun’s Showband or to schedule an audition, email Matthew.Leder@calhoun.edu or call 256.306.2917

All media inquiries should contact Calhoun’s Public Relations team at 256-306-2560 or 256-306-2965