Chris Shalter, a former worship arts major at Lancaster Bible College, and his bandmates from (the autumn), won an IMA award for their song in the Christian/Gospel category at the Independent Music Awards at the Lincoln Center in New York City on March 31.

The single the band submitted into the competition, Mercy | Grace, caught the attention of fans as a standout. The final winners of each category were chosen by a panel of top recording artists, including the likes of Michael W. Smith and Amy Lee (Evanescence), along with other music industry pros and fans. Check out the band’s winning song below.

“What this award means to us is that there are a lot of people out there right now who are resonating with our music and who want to support us,” said Shalter in an interview with LBC. “They are a huge part of helping us spread the message of hope in Jesus – much farther than we could have ever imagined!”

Shalter says his education at Lancaster Bible College helped prepare him for a music career. “The professors at LBC taught me so much about songwriting, in both a professional sense, and an authentic sense,” he explained. “I’ve gained so much knowledge and ability from classes, other students, and professors at LBC.”