TANNER — A Grammy-nominated educator has been named to direct Calhoun Community College’s first show band.
“I am very humbled and excited to be a part of Calhoun’s music faculty,” said Dr. Matt Leder. “Music of all genres is my passion, and I can’t wait to recruit new members to join the band. We are looking for vocalists, drummers, pianists, guitarists, horn players, as well as sound crew.
“Not only can individuals join the band, but we are offering them scholarships, as well, to either pay or help pay for their education.”
Leder comes to Calhoun from Gadsden State Community College where he served as music director and instructor for its award-winning show band.
A 20-year veteran musician, Leder has studied with jazz legends Ellis Marsalis, Clyde Kerr and Irvin Mayfield. He has also performed throughout the country with the Louis Armstrong Quintet, funded through the Armstrong Foundation.
He served eight years as a Navy musician and four years as an Air Force musician, performing for five U.S. presidents while a member of the Armed Forces. Leder was chair of the music department at Northern New Mexico College, and served as faculty at Brown University, the University of Colorado at Denver, the Community College of Rhode Island, and St. George’s School.
He was named a Grammy Educator of the Year Quarterfinalist for 2021 and 2022, and was selected for the International Association of Jazz Educators All-Star Collegiate Big Band.
He has played at Carnegie Hall, Birdland, and in Boston’s Symphony Hall. Leder also had a theater stint in Myrtle Beach that included shows with Steve Gatlin and the “Stars of the Lawrence Welk Show.”
He went on national tour with “In the Mood,” and has performed in supporting ensembles for Bob Mintzer, Benny Green, Melton Mustafa, Nicholas Payton, Ellis Marsalis, Ana Popovic, Tasha Taylor and others. Leder has notations in “Ala Breve,” Downbeat and All Hands magazines, and ITG Journal.
Leder is a member of the Jazz Education Network, International Trumpet Guild, and the National Association for Music Education.
Auditions for the Calhoun Community College Jazz and Popular Music Ensemble are currently ongoing with scholarships ranging up to $2,000.
To audition, Leder at 256-260-3058 or email to [email protected].
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