Branch County Community Chorus accepting new members for 2025-26 concert season

COLDWATER,MI (WTVB) – Kellogg Community College’s Branch County Community Chorus is accepting new members for the 2025-26 concert season.

Prospective choir members are invited to join the chorus at the group’s first rehearsal of the season, starting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9, at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, located at 27 East Chicago St. in Coldwater.

No audition is required to join the BCCC; singers interested simply need to register for the chorus (course designation MUSI C104) through the College’s Grahl Center campus in Coldwater. Regular rehearsals will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. every Tuesday at St. Mark’s through May.

Dr. Gerald Case-Blanchard, professor of vocal music and music area coordinator at KCC, conducts the BCCC and called it, “a group of individuals who love making music and are always looking to expand its community of musical friends.”

Case-Blanchard said there are openings available in all voice parts – soprano, alto, tenor and bass – and he encouraged anyone with a passion for singing and a desire to learn to participate.

While there is no formal audition process required to join the BCCC, prospective choir members are asked to meet with Case-Blanchard for a brief vocal assessment. This is an informal and welcoming process and allows for individuals from all musical backgrounds and experience levels to join.

Upcoming performance highlights include the following:

• Handel’s “Messiah” with the Monroe Community Chorale and Symphony in Monroe (Nov. 23)
• “Sounds of the Season” annual holiday concert at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Coldwater (Dec. 7)
• “Singing in the Spring” annual spring concert in Battle Creek (April 12)

Individuals interested in joining the BCCC may do so for personal enrichment or academic credit. Performing arts grants may be available to those who have participated in the choir for two consecutive semesters and who have met all requirements.

For more information about registering to join the BCCC, contact KCC’s Grahl Center campus in Coldwater at 517-278-3300. For more information about the BCCC in general, contact Case-Blanchard at case-blanchardg@kellogg.edu or visit kellogg.edu/bccc.