Choir members practice in the choir room.

MUSIC

KCC is where creativity meets passion! The curriculum of Kellogg Community College’s Music Program is designed to provide a strong foundation for students planning to transition into a four-year college or university music program. KCC’s program also offers numerous opportunities for students to perform or who simply want to improve their musical skills.

KCC offers an Associate in Arts degree with a concentration in Music and certificates in Music Enrichment and Sacred Music. The sequence of classes recommended for full-time students seeking each credential follows.

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Associate in Arts: Music Concentration


KCC’s Associate in Arts degree is designed for students preparing to transfer to a four-year institution, and the requirements for the degree are designed to fulfill general education learning outcomes requirements. Although not technically a music degree, students can pursue a music concentration as outlined below.

Students pursuing an Associate in Arts degree at KCC must earn a minimum of 62 credits with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0, and at least 24 of those credits must be completed at KCC.

Semester I Semester II Semester III Semester IV
MUSI 100: Fundamentals of Music (2 cr.) MUSI 105: Kellogg Singers OR MUSI 160: Concert Band OR MUSI 161: Jazz Band (1 cr.) MUSI 105: Kellogg Singers OR MUSI 160: Concert Band OR MUSI 161: Jazz Band (1 cr.) MUSI 105: Kellogg Singers OR MUSI 160: Concert Band OR MUSI 161: Jazz Band (1 cr.)
MUSI 105: Kellogg Singers OR MUSI 160: Concert Band OR MUSI 161: Jazz Band (1 cr.) MUSI 112: Individualized Voice Lessons 1 OR MUSI 122: Individualized Piano Lessons 1 OR MUSI 135: Individualized Instrumental Lessons 1 (2 cr.) MUSI 113: Individualized Voice Lessons 2 OR MUSI 123: Individualized Piano Lessons 2 OR MUSI 136: Individualized Instrumental Lessons 2 (2 cr.) MUSI 114: Individualized Voice Lessons 3 OR MUSI 124: Individualized Piano Lessons 3 OR MUSI 137: Individualized Instrumental Lessons 3 (2 cr.)
MUSI 107: Voice Class (2 cr.) MUSI 130: Music Theory 1 (3 cr.) MUSI 131: Music Theory 2 (3 cr.) MUSI 250: Music History 1 (3 cr.)
MUSI 120: Beginning Piano Class (2 cr.) MUSI 132: Aural Comprehension/Music Reading 1 (1 cr.) MUSI 134: Aural Comprehension/Music Reading 2 (1 cr.) MUSI 260: Basic Conducting (2 cr.)
MUSI 297: Music Special Topics (2 cr.)

Please note that the courses listed above constitute a sample schedule. While the additional courses needed to achieve the minimum requirement of 62 credit hours are left to the discretion of the student, it is strongly advised that students work with both a KCC academic advisor and KCC Music Program advisor to select the most appropriate courses. See KCC’s Academic Catalog for a more comprehensive list of KCC Music courses and the General Education Core Courses required for the Associate in Arts degree.

Music Enrichment Certificate


KCC’s Music Enrichment Certificate is a special program designed for students seeking experience and a certificate of completion in music, but who prefer not to pursue a four-year degree. A total of 20 credit hours including the following courses must be completed successfully to fulfill the certificate requirements. No single course may be repeated for more than four credit hours toward completion of the certificate.

Semester I Semester II
MUSI 105: Kellogg Singers OR MUSI 160: Concert Band OR MUSI 161: Jazz Band (1 cr.) MUSI 105: Kellogg Singers OR MUSI 160: Concert Band OR MUSI 161: Jazz Band (1 cr.)
MUSI 107: Voice Class (2 cr.) MUSI 113: Individualized Voice Lessons 2 OR MUSI 123: Individualized Piano Lessons 2 OR MUSI 136: Individualized Instrumental Lessons 2 (2 cr.)
MUSI 112: Individualized Voice Lessons 1 OR MUSI 122: Individualized Piano Lessons 1 OR MUSI 135: Individualized Instrumental Lessons 1 (2 cr.) MUSI 131: Music Theory 2 (3 cr.)
MUSI 120: Beginning Piano Class (2 cr.) MUSI 134: Aural Comprehension/Music Reading 2 (1 cr.)
MUSI 130: Music Theory 1 (3 cr.) MUSI 250: Music History 1 (3 cr.)
MUSI 132: Aural Comprehension/Music Reading 1 (1 cr.) MUSI 260: Basic Conducting (2 cr.)
MUSI 141: Fundamentals of Music for Teaching (3 cr.) MUSI 297: Music Special Topics (2 cr.)

Please note that the courses listed above constitute a sample schedule. It is strongly advised that students work with both a KCC academic advisor and KCC Music Program advisor to select the most appropriate courses.

Sacred Music Certificate


Students who complete KCC’s Sacred Music Certificate Program will have the skills and knowledge needed to obtain a position as a church choir director, music worship leader or youth music leader. The program can also help current choir directors from non-choral backgrounds enhance their job performance and satisfaction.

Semester I Semester II
HIST 106: Religious History (3 cr.) MUSI 105: Kellogg Singers OR MUSI 160: Concert Band OR MUSI 161: Jazz Band (1 cr.)
HIST 206 (3 cr.) MUSI 113: Individualized Voice Lessons 2 OR MUSI 123: Individualized Piano Lessons 2 OR MUSI 136: Individualized Instrumental Lessons 2 (2 cr.)
MUSI 105: Kellogg Singers OR MUSI 160: Concert Band OR MUSI 161: Jazz Band (1 cr.) MUSI 131: Music Theory 2 (3 cr.)
MUSI 107: Voice Class (2 cr.) MUSI 134: Aural Comprehension/Music Reading 2 (1 cr.)
MUSI 112: Individualized Voice Lessons 1 OR MUSI 122: Individualized Piano Lessons 1 OR MUSI 135: Individualized Instrumental Lessons 1 (2 cr.) MUSI 250: Music History 1 (3 cr.)
MUSI 120: Beginning Piano Class (2 cr.) MUSI 260: Basic Conducting (2 cr.)
MUSI 130: Music Theory 1 (3 cr.) MUSI 270: Sacred Choral Literature (3 cr.)
MUSI 132: Aural Comprehension/Music Reading 1 (1 cr.)

Please note that the courses listed above constitute a sample schedule. It is strongly advised that students work with both a KCC academic advisor and KCC Music Program advisor to select the most appropriate courses.

Advising & Transfer

View transfer guides outlining opportunities for students looking to transfer their KCC credits to a four-year institution. Contact Academic Advising at 269-965-4124 or advising@kellogg.edu to schedule an appointment to plot a personal transfer plan.

Additional Information

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KCC Bands & Ensembles

 

KCC’s Music Program offers choirs, bands, opera theatre, musical theatre and much more! Please note: You may register to participate in any band or ensemble for academic credit or for non-credit (CEU).

Kellogg Community College Choral Union

The choirs of Kellogg Community College have performed throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, New York and Massachusetts. The KCC Choral Union has performed at major venues throughout the U.S., Ireland and Italy. The ensemble regularly collaborates with major musical organizations such as the Sacred Music Festival in Kalamazoo, the Battle Creek Symphony Orchestra, Haydn Festival Orchestra and the Monroe Community Chorale and Symphony. Although no college credit is currently available at this time, the KCC Choral Union (also known as the Touring Choir) is open to any current member of one of the three residential choirs (Branch County Community Chorus, Kellogg Singers or Concentus Vocal Ensemble) at Kellogg Community College.

  • Rehearsals: TBD
  • Director: Dr. Gerald J. Case-Blanchard
  • Accompanist: Nancy Brown

Women’s Chorus (MUSI 103/103C)

A combined student and faculty/staff choir that rehearses two hours a week. They sing music for women’s voices from all eras, from medieval chants to contemporary music, spirituals and world music. This wonderful and fun group is open to everyone from beginners to experienced choral musicians. No audition required, just a love for singing.

  • Rehearsals: TBD
  • Director: Dr. Gerald J. Case-Blanchard

Branch County Community Chorus (MUSI 104/104C)

A non-auditioned, mixed ensemble whose members are drawn from Coldwater and the surrounding areas. This ensemble seeks to explore repertoire not accessible to the average church choir. A wide range of choral music is prepared for performance in the Branch County area. If you enjoy singing and are looking for a pleasant atmosphere in which to experience challenging choral literature, this is the choir for you! Everyone is welcome in this ensemble, which can be taken for enrichment or for academic credit. You may register online or visit the Grahl Center campus in Coldwater to register.

  • Rehearsals: 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday evenings in Coldwater
  • Director: Dr. Gerald J. Case-Blanchard
  • Accompanist: Nancy Brown

Kellogg Singers (MUSI 105/105C)

This is a non-auditioned, mixed ensemble based out of the Davidson Visual and Performing Arts Center on KCC’s North Avenue campus in Battle Creek. The Kellogg Singers prepare high-level choral music for performances on the KCC campus and in the community. An effort is made to expose the members to “need to know songs” from every style in choral music repertoire. Music from Renaissance madrigals to spirituals, Baroque masterworks to music of living composers and everything in between is presented in concert. Everyone is welcome in this ensemble, which can be taken for enrichment as well as for credit.

  • Rehearsals: 2:30 to 3:50 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays in Battle Creek
  • Director: Dr. Gerald J. Case-Blanchard
  • Accompanist: Nancy Brown

Concentus Vocal Ensemble (MUSI 109/109C)

A small vocal group that specializes in repertoire written for advanced small-ensemble singing. The group consists of singers who are selected through the annual choral audition process in the spring and fall of each academic year. Concentus repertoire focuses on madrigals, chanson, lied and a variety of vocal works from the musical theatre and show-choir genre. You must be a registered member of the Kellogg Singers for audition/membership.

  • Rehearsals: TBD
  • Director: Dr. Gerald J. Case-Blanchard
  • Accompanist: Cynthia Fillmore-Garn

Music Theatre Ensemble

An enjoyable way to expand your musical and theatrical horizons, music theatre at KCC is open to anyone in the community. Both lead roles and chorus parts are available during the run of each musical in the spring semester. Although no college credit is currently available at this time, the music theatre ensemble is a fun way to enjoy new experiences and meet new people. Come join us!

  • Rehearsals: TBD
  • Musical Director: Dr. Gerald J. Case-Blanchard
  • Stage Director: Brad Poer

Concert Band (MUSI 160/160C)

The KCC Concert Band is dedicated to the performance of fine instrumental concert literature. The aesthetic aspect of the music is stressed and special emphasis is placed on musical style. This ensemble presents concerts on campus and in the surrounding community.

  • Rehearsals: 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays in Battle Creek
  • Director: Instructor Laura Bandlow

Jazz Band (MUSI 161/161C)

The Jazz Band affords students the opportunity to develop performance skills in contemporary and traditional jazz music. Performances are presented on campus and in the community and include music from all areas of jazz and various rock idioms.

  • Rehearsals: 3 to 6 p.m. Mondays in Battle Creek
  • Director: TBA

Opera Workshop (MUSI 297/297C)

The Opera Workshop introduces all aspects of the art form to its participants, including acting, vocal technique, language and stage movement. Other areas of focus include audition techniques, scene study, musical collaboration and much, much, more.

Recent Opera Workshop presentations have included works such as “Amahl and the Night Visitors” (Gian Carlo Menotti), “Trial by Jury” (Gilbert and Sullivan), “Dido and Aeneas” (Henry Purcell), “The Marriage of Figaro” (W. A. Mozart), “The Student Prince” (Sigmund Romberg), “Die Fledermaus” (Johann Strauss), “Hansel and Gretel” (Humperdinck) and the Michigan premiere of Karen Phipps’ “Snow White: The Opera.”

  • Rehearsals: TBD
  • Director: Dr. Gerald J. Case-Blanchard
  • Accompanist: Cynthia Garn
Music Careers


“A single profession, filled with lots of possibilities!”

Selecting music as a career choice opens the door for many new and exciting possibilities, which may include but are not limited to the areas of teaching, performance, music producing, song writing, music therapy, conducting and beyond. The field of music provides a sense of personal satisfaction, a flexible of schedule and many opportunities for career growth and mobility.

From a business perspective, the training music students receive through the study of the musical arts fosters a sense of creativity, develops critical thinking skills and makes for well-rounded individuals with skill sets sought out by employers. The opportunities for success are endless, but the most significant reward of all is the fact that this career choice provides students with the opportunity to change lives through art.

Possible job titles for graduates with an education in music include:

  • Composer
  • Conductor
  • Music consultant
  • Music journalist
  • Music producer
  • Music therapist
  • Performer
  • Program director
  • Recording engineer
  • Song writer
  • Teacher
  • And more!

Projected Job Outlook & Salary Info

For the latest employment and wage estimates for music careers in Michigan, visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics website at www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_mi.htm.

Why Study Music at KCC?


KCC’s Music Program is built on a cornerstone of creativity and collaboration, and KCC’s students are encouraged to find their best musical selves through artistic exploration. KCC offers opportunities for international travel, performances with major arts organizations, small class sizes and an excellent teacher-to-student ratio.

At KCC, students develop the skills necessary to become a successful and well-rounded musicians with the highest level of marketability. At KCC, we believe music is an essential part of the educational process and must be accessible.

Unique Experiences

KCC’s Music Program has offered students countless unique experiences and performance opportunities over the past several years, including:

  • Opening for Take 6 in 2009
  • Opening for Sweet Honey in the Rock in 2010
  • World premiere of “I Dream a World” by Grammy-nominated composer, Peter Boyer
  • Participating in numerous performances with the Battle Creek Symphony
  • Embarking on two international concert tours, one to Ireland and one to Italy
  • Embarking on 10 domestic concert tours throughout the U.S.
  • Participating in several guest artist events and master classes with world-class artists

 

march

10mar4:00 pmMusic Achievement Testing Honors RecitalFree and Open to the public4:00 pm

april

03apr7:00 pm9:00 pmKCC Music Scholarship Auditions7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

21apr3:00 pmSinging in the Spring3:00 pm

28apr3:00 pmKCC Concert Band presents: "Renewal and Revival"3:00 pm

may

05may7:30 pmKCC Jazz Ensemble presents: "Swingo De Mayo"7:30 pm

Music Contacts

Gerald Case-Blanchard

Gerald Case-Blanchard

Faculty, Vocal Music