Multiple ensembles from South Plains College’s Commercial Music program performed during Fest Week, instructors and students said, with students responsible for staging, mixing and performing the shows.

"To see what it's like serving a church and serving your community," said Jerry Serrano, an instructor in voice, songwriting and piano, describing why he takes his praise ensemble into church and community settings. Serrano said ensembles give students experience in both performance and community service; he noted one student is graduating into a full-time worship position.

Student ensemble No Ballads — a rock band featuring guitar major Cody Kasler — described the program as a collaborative environment. "The facilities are amazing. They are absolutely world class," Kasler said. He and other students said they hope to begin local gigs after finals.

Why it matters: Fest Week functions as a practical capstone, letting students apply classroom lessons to real performance contexts and to build portfolios and local networks. Ensemble work spans commercial music, worship and Latin genres, and instructors emphasized both technical skill and professional behavior.

Practical details: Serrano said his Latin ensemble and praise ensemble both perform during Fest Week; the praise ensemble has been booked at worship nights and community venues. Student-organized bands run festival sets while faculty provide guidance.

Context and limits: These accounts describe routine program activity and student outcomes; they are not formal hiring announcements or curricular changes.