The South Plains Songwriter Contest is for aspiring talent in the West Texas area, sponsored by SPC’s Commercial Music Department with categories for adults and students.  

At this year's competition, three Frenship High School choir students submitted original work. Raymond Drake Cagle, Jarrett Wideman, and Hannah Marie King impressed the judges and advanced to the final round of the contest held at Tom T. Hall on the South Plains campus.  

In the final round, each student performed their original work live for an audience and the panel of judges. The contest was judged by three well-established songwriters and performers from the Lubbock area. They all have ties to Nashville and have written, recorded, and produced multiple works of their own. At the end of the night, it was announced that Wideman earned third place in the high school category. 

Amy Moss, the FHS Choir Director, encourages her students to enter the contest because it is a perfect avenue for them to put their work out there and start making connections. Last year a Frenship student won the contest and was awarded a custom label package with recording time in a professional studio. 

Moss said the contest allows students to view a commercial music program at the collegiate level. It shows what they can do with commercial music and the many aspects that are available to them – not only songwriting and performing, but the producing and business side of the music industry. 

“I feel this contest benefits our students in that it pushes them to put their work out into the public,” said Moss. “It allows for feedback and mentorship from professionals who are currently in the industry and teaches them how to handle themselves in a professional music setting. I think it also encourages them to be fearless and to simply create. Even if it’s only for the joy of creating.” 

Congratulations to all the Frenship students for making it to the final round and to Jarrett Wideman for earning third!