(Ben Leeb photoed accepting his recognition)
Champaign Central High School Student Ben Leeb was selected to perform with the prestigious Honor Band of America as part of the 2026 Music for All National Festival. The ensemble features some of the top high school musicians in the country, chosen through a highly competitive audition process.
Leeb, a Junior and French horn player, secured the first chair position for his instrument for the second consecutive year. His selection follows another major achievement earlier this year when he earned first chair in the Illinois All-State Honors Orchestra.
Leeb performed with the Honor Band of America, one of the country’s finest high school concert bands, at Clowes Memorial Hall on the Butler University campus, closing out the national festival.
The Music for All National Festival is one of the largest gatherings of student musicians in the United States, featuring 54 ensembles from 14 states. The event emphasizes collaboration and shared learning rather than competition, giving students opportunities to grow musically while connecting with peers from across the country.
Congratulations to Ben on this outstanding achievement and for representing Central High School on a national stage!