KCC’s Branch County Community Chorus accepting new members

The Branch County Community Chorus

Kellogg Community College’s Branch County Community Chorus is accepting new members for its upcoming spring concert season.

Singers interested in joining the BCCC may do so for personal enrichment or academic credit. For registration information, contact KCC’s Grahl Center campus in Coldwater at 517-278-3300.

The first rehearsal of the spring season is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 25, at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, located at 27 East Chicago St. in Coldwater. Rehearsals will be held at 6:30 p.m. every Tuesday through May.

While there is no formal audition process required to join the BCCC, prospective choir members are asked to meet with the director for a vocal assessment prior to the start of the rehearsal process. This is merely a vocal placement assessment to ensure that each singer is in the correct voicing.

Dr. Gerald Case-Blanchard, professor of vocal music and music area coordinator at KCC, said there are openings available in all voice parts for the Spring 2022 concert season.

“If you have a passion for singing and a willingness to learn, then the BCCC has a place for you,” Case-Blanchard said.

The chorus is accompanied by Nancy D. Brown.

Please note: All rehearsals and concerts follow safety protocols required by the College, including shortened exposure time in rehearsal, air filtration, masks and social distancing for all parties. Special face masks designed specifically for singers are available free of charge for all choir members.

For more information about the BCCC in general, contact Case-Blanchard at case-blanchardg@kellogg.edu or visit kellogg.edu/branch.

Performing arts grants may be available to those who have participated in the choir for two consecutive semesters and who have met all requirements.

About the Branch County Community Chorus

The Branch County Community Chorus, established in the fall of the 2001-02 academic year, is a “town and gown” ensemble that produces high-level concert performances. Membership is open to anyone who wishes to sing with the group. Under the leadership of Dr. Gerald Case-Blanchard, who became BCCC director in 2004, the choir greatly expanded its repertoire to include not only the traditional classical repertoire (including works by Bach, Handel, Mozart and others), but jazz, show music, world music, spirituals, opera choruses and much more. During its 2006-07 concert season, the BCCC began a semi-annual choral touring program. The choir has since toured nationally and internationally, presenting concerts in the U.S. in Illinois, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio and Wisconsin. In the summer of 2012, the BCCC embarked on its inaugural European concert tour, presenting concerts in Cork, Dublin and Malahide in Ireland. The choir returned to Europe in the summer of 2014, presenting concerts in towns and cities along the Amalfi Coast of Italy.

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