Faith, family brings Kuhn to SPC

by Robert Box, staff writer

It was four years ago when Jason Kuhn was looking for schools that taught music in an non-traditional manner. 

While browsing the Internet, Kuhn came across South Plains College.  Kuhn is originally from Blaine, Washington, but the long distance didn’t curb his interest in the small West Texas college.  While visiting family in Dallas, Kuhn drove out to Levelland to see the SPC campus and to meet Cary Banks, the program director.  After the visit, he decided that this was the right school for him, but just not the right time.  He returned home with his wife, Laura, who was pregnant with their second child and continued his job at a church.

Kuhn had been a worship leader for 10 years.  He had already received his bachelor’s degree in child and youth care before attending SPC.  He also had worked as a case manager for four years, counseling abused children and families. 

Last semester, Kuhn felt led to come to SPC, so he moved with his wife and their three children, Wyatt, 5, Savana Mae, 3, and Lilly Beth, 18 months.  When he arrived in Levelland, he was approached by Banks.  Someone from Dallas had decided to donate an entire two-year scholarship to someone in the music program, and Kuhn had been chosen. 

“I’m fulfilling a dream right now, and the best part is that the dream isn’t over,”  Kuhn said.

He is currently playing in the SPC touring ensemble and “Thursday Night Live.”  He enjoys all different genres of music, but his favorite is what he calls “soulful rhythmic blues country,” which is a combination of all his favorites. 

“I’m having more fun now than I’ve had in my life,” Kuhn said.

He is also in a bluegrass ensemble, which he feels is more of a special experience considering bluegrass legend Alan Munde is retiring, as first reported by the Plainsman Press. 

Kuhn also has a job while attending classes.  He serves as the worship leader at South Plains Church in Levelland.  The previous leader had accepted a new job, and Kuhn step right in. 

“This is a testament to God taking care of you,” Kuhn said. “I feel like I’m doing what God created me to do.” 

Kuhn would like to thank all his instructors, especially Banks, for helping him live his dream.