SPC Touring Ensemble stomps through West Texas, New Mexico

 

LEVELLAND – The South Plains College Touring Ensemble, also known as “Calcium” recently kicked off its fall performance schedule with a show at Spur Independent School District. 

 

Calcium is set to play at 1 p.m.. on Friday (Nov. 2) at Lovington ISD; Sundown ISD on Nov. 9; and at 8:30 a.m. on Nov. 16 on KLVT Radio. 

Calcium is directed by Devin Collins, instructor in Commercial Music. He also plays keyboards and designs background tracks. Collins is a graduate of Cedar Hill High School. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston in music composition and his master’s degree from Texas Tech University in jazz performance. He joined the SPC faculty in spring 2018. 

“I first started hearing music when I was four,” he said. “I suffered from Eustachian Tube dysfunction.” 

The Eustachian Tube dysfunction can be caused by a cold, the flu, a sinus infection or allergies. Collins’ condition was linked to his sinuses. 

Collins said he played in band in middle school and he received all state honors for his tuba playing in high school. After college, he spent several years playing music and participated in dueling piano bars. When he heard about a position opening at SPC following the retirement of faculty member Jay Lemon, Collins landed the job. One of his duties is to oversee the SPC Touring Ensemble.

 

The band is comprised of six students and Collins. Carter Franks, 19, sophomore Commercial Music major from Lubbock, is a vocalist. He is the son of Lu and Ginny Franks of Lubbock. Gillian “Gigi” Hess, 21, sophomore Commercial Music major from Lovington, N.M., is a vocalist. She is the daughter of Geoff and Kim Hess of Lovington, N.M. Duncan “Dewey” Newey, 18, freshman Commercial Music major from Hobbs, N.M., is a drummer. He is the son of Paul and Mika Newey of Hobbs, N.M. Joseph Raney, 20, sophomore Sound Technology major from Lubbock, plays bass. He is the son of Don and Robin Raney. Hannah Scott, 19, sophomore Commercial Music major from Levelland, is a vocalist. She is the daughter of Greg and Julie Scott of Levelland. Jaden Wells, 18, freshman Commercial Music major from Lubbock, plays guitar. He is the son of Michael Wells and Jamie Pitman, both of Lubbock.

MUSIC MAKERS – Members of the South Plains College Touring Ensemble, aka “Calcium” recently kicked off their fall semester performance schedule with a concert at Spur Independent School District. Calcium is set to play at 1 p.m.. on Friday (Nov. 2) at Lovington ISD; Sundown ISD on Nov. 9; and at 8:30 a.m. on Nov. 16 on KLVT Radio. Calcium is comprised of six SPC students and their instructor. Shown are, from left, Devin Collins, instructor in Commercial Music, keyboards/background tracks; Hannah Scott of Levelland, vocals; Carter Franks of Lubbock, vocals and acoustic guitar; Duncan “Dewey” Newey of Hobbs, N.M., drums; Gillian “Gigi” Hess of Lovington, N.M., vocals; Joseph Raney of Lubbock, bass; and Jaden Wells of Lubbock, guitar. (SPC Photo/Wes Underwood)

 

For more information, call Tammy Amos, administrative assistant for Commercial Music, at (806) 716-2281.