California Baptist University’s Commercial Music division kicked off Parent and Family Weekend early with the Pop Ensemble Concert on Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. The Events Center patio glowed with vibrant lights as students and parents gathered to enjoy live music featuring hits from across the decades.
Karmann Ritschl, sophomore speech therapy major, stopped by the concert after leaving her anatomy lab nearby. “I love music more than anything in the entire world, and I’m a medical major, so it’s so exciting—for me at least—that I still get opportunities to be involved on campus with my hobbies and stuff,” Ritschl said.
The evening opened with songs spanning from the 1950s to 1979. The ensemble delivered an energetic rendition of Michael Jackson’s “Off the Wall” before stepping back in time with Jackie Wilson’s “(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher & Higher” and The Ronettes’ “Be My Baby.”
Enya Alcantar, junior commercial performance major, sang a duet of Luis Miguel’s “Cuando Vuelva a Tu Lado” with fellow student Justice Villegas. It was the only Spanish-language performance of the night.
“I like to connect with people and see how they react to certain songs,” Alcantar said, reflecting on the moment.
The nostalgic set concluded with a mashup of The Mamas & the Papas’ “California Dreamin’” and The Beach Boys’ “Surfin’ U.S.A.,” earning enthusiastic applause from the audience. During the intermission, attendees mingled, including freshman pre-nursing major Marichelle Billamar, who enjoyed the event with her friends, Hannah-Ruth Ross and Ella West.
“I think if you’re more of an introvert and you don’t know how to get out there, events like these let you meet people who enjoy the same things as you and help you connect with others,” Billamar said.
After the break, the concert transitioned to contemporary hits, featuring music from the 1980s to today. The ensemble kicked off the second set with Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s “Crazy in Love,” which got the crowd dancing.
Aidan Gomez and Sean Lomax followed with an ’80s favorite, Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney’s “The Girl Is Mine.” The set moved into the ’90s, prompting audience singalongs to Britney Spears’ “…Baby One More Time” and The Cranberries’ “Linger.”
The energy stayed high until the finale, Mary J. Blige’s “Just Fine.” Audience members and fellow commercial music students joined the performers on stage, singing and dancing to close out the evening.
The School of Performing Arts’ strong support system was evident in the turnout and enthusiasm. Alcantar credited the professors and her peers for fostering a collaborative and encouraging environment.
“My professors are very encouraging, and also the people around me—I think we have a very strong support system between students and professors,” Alcantar said. “Professors really allow us to make connections with them and work with them in order to feel as confident as we need to in order to perform.”
As the audience dispersed and the stage was dismantled, the Pop Ensemble Concert’s success was clear, marked by a sense of community, dynamic performances, and the outstanding talent of CBU’s commercial music students.
