From Classroom to Mainstage:
FTC Students Take Charge at the Great South Bay Music Festival

For the fourth consecutive year, Five Towns College students aren’t just attending the Great South Bay Music Festival—they’re running the show! As part of Long Island’s largest and longest-running music and arts festival, FTC students step into professional industry roles—mixing live sound, managing stage crews, coordinating with artists, and overseeing production from start to finish. This is not a classroom exercise—it’s a live, high-pressure event enjoyed by thousands of festivalgoers.

Opportunities like this are rare, but at FTC, they’re part of the student experience.

FTC Students at Work: Real Roles Behind the Scenes

At the festival, students from multiple FTC programs come together to bring the event to life. Mass Communication students specializing in Live Entertainment Music Production, Audio Recording Technology, and Broadcasting handle everything from live sound engineering and stage management to artist relations and on-site broadcasting. Meanwhile, Film and Television majors capture behind-the-scenes footage, film live performances, and interview artists for festival coverage.

From setup to showtime, students manage every detail—running the stage, recording performances, producing content, and sharing the experience in real time. Additionally, each magical moment of the four-day event is broadcasted LIVE on the FTC Sound Stream, where student conduct real-time interviews with a wide range of artists, band members, vendors, producers, and other key participants who bring this event to life. This all happens in real-time at the GSB venue. It’s a comprehensive, hands-on production experience at one of Long Island’s biggest live events.

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The images above were taken at the 2024 Great South Bay Music Festival. Click to enlarge.

Experience That Matters: Turning Learning Into Career Opportunities

Working the Great South Bay Music Festival is more than a weekend project—it’s a chance for FTC students to apply their skills in a demanding, real-world environment. Whether working the mixing board, running lights, coordinating artists, keeping the stage on schedule, or producing interviews, students gain practical experience that extends far beyond the classroom.

Tom Calandrillo, Chair of the Communication Division and Assistant Dean of Institutional Productions, who leads this major project, sums it up: “This festival experience is a game-changer for our students. It’s not just about technical skills—it’s about understanding how to work as a team, solve problems on the fly, and communicate effectively in a live event setting. No other college in the region offers this kind of hands-on, industry-level opportunity. It’s a real-world lab where our students build confidence, develop professional relationships, and prepare themselves for careers in media and entertainment.”

The Show Goes On – Even After the Party’s Over

The experience doesn’t end when the final set wraps up. Students in Broadcasting and Journalism continue their work by contributing festival coverage for The Record Online, the Mass Communication Division’s digital news platform. They create articles, video segments, and social media content that capture every angle—from performances to behind-the-scenes stories.

Beyond the event itself, many artists and industry professionals who participate in the festival maintain ongoing relationships with Five Towns College. They frequently return to campus for guest lectures, workshops, and Q&A sessions. These connections often lead to mentorships and career opportunities, creating a vibrant network that extends well beyond the festival grounds.

This combination of hands-on experience and ongoing industry engagement not only strengthens students’ professional portfolios but also provides a clear path toward careers in media, entertainment, audio production, broadcasting, and event management.

For prospective students considering Five Towns College, this festival involvement exemplifies how FTC integrates real-world opportunities into its academic programs—preparing students for meaningful careers after graduation.

The Great South Bay Music Festival takes place July 24–27 at Shorefront Park in Patchogue, NY. If you’re ready to turn your passion for music, media, and entertainment into hands-on experience, FTC offers the chance to work behind the scenes at major events like this—and launch your career while you learn.

Request more information today and see how Five Towns College can help you make your mark in the industry.