UPCOMING EVENTS: Wednesday, Jan 25 2012

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

UPCOMING EVENTS:
The University of Texas at El Paso School of Music presents…
Sunday, February 12, 2012 2:30pm
Faculty/Guest Artist Recital
Song Cycles by UTEP faculty artist, Dr. Dominic Dousa
Featuring guest artist, Dr. Gerald Blanchard, baritone, and faculty artist, Dr. Dominic Dousa, composer/piano
Fox Fine Arts Recital Hall El Paso, Texas 79968 | (915) 747-5606 (for tickets)

KCC FACULTY/GUEST ARTISTS RECITAL SERIES EVENT presents…
Sunday, February 26, 2012 3pm
Two Sistas and a Brotha: A Celebration of African American Art Songs and Spirituals
Alfrelynn Roberts and Carmen Smith, sopranos
Gerald Blanchard, baritone
Nancy Brown and Sara Cleland, pianists
Davidson Visual and Performing Arts Center Auditorium
Battle Creek, MI

Leave a Response »

 

Happy Holidays! Happy Holidays! Happy Holidays! Happy Holidays! Saturday, Dec 31 2011

With love, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Happy Holidays! Happy Holidays!
Well that time of year has come, when one reflects on the many joys and challenges of the past year. The year 2011, while difficult for so many, has been a blessing for us. In January, Gerald had a successful surgery on his right kidney. Later, we both began the final process of applying to be foster parents, and of course the biggest news of all, our May 21, 2011 nuptials. Life has truly been grand and we feel so blessed by all that has happened. For pics and video, log onto www.weddingwire.com/GeraldandStephen. Following our Battle Creek ceremony, we went on a 10 day honeymoon which included stops in Hershey, PA., New Jersey and New York city, where we boarded a cruise ship for four days to Saint John’s, New Brunswick. Upon our return from the cruise, we continued our journey to Boston, where we got legally married, before heading off to Buffalo, NY before returning to Canada for a quick visit to Niagara Falls. It was an amazing venture to put it lightly.

Professionally, things are also going well for the two of us. Stephen started a new job as a database administrator, and also completed his first year of graduate school at Texas A&M with their online program for Statistics. It has been a difficult year, but one full of growth, rewards, and discovery.
Gerald is in his 8th year as the Director of Vocal Music at Kellogg Community College here in Battle Creek, MI, and loves the challenges and rewards it continues to bring. One of the upcoming highlights for 2012, will be a choral tour to Ireland with his choirs. This will be the school’s first international choral tour.

We are both looking forward to a major change in our lives with the addition of a foster child into our family. We’ve completed the paperwork to become foster parents, received our foster license and are now just awaiting on “the call” from the Department of Human Services with a placement. Once that happens, we’ll both be proud papas! We intend to give as much notification to you our friends, as possible, but keep in mind that we are required by law not to post any pictures or too much information online. So, no FB pics…Sorry! Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers during this time of change!

Happy New Year!
Gerald & Stephen….& Buddy too!

Leave a Response »

 

Joy to the World! Sunday, Dec 18 2011

Currently preping for a large Sunday family gathering here at our home with Steve’s parents, his aunt and uncle visiting from Santa Fe, sister who is coming up from Chicago and his grandmother. The house is decorated to the hilt and now I prepare the big Sunday meal. Yes, this is our Michigan family Christmas (early) before we travel to celebrate with my family. Wow, what a Blessing it is to have two family Christmas celebrations!!!!!

Leave a Response »

 

A Moment of Reflection Sunday, Dec 18 2011

A MOMENT OF REFLECTION AT 6:54AM: As we prepare for the upcoming celebration of Christ’s birthday, I with a joy filled heart outwardly express the love I share with Stephen Frederick Paul Case, my family extended (and immediate) family members, a host of friends, colleagues and students. I say thank you for making my life full of joy every day! I/ we love you and God Bless.

Leave a Response »

 

The time has come! Thursday, Sep 29 2011

Well, the time has come to post again. Thus far the start of the new academic year has been exceptional. I have a studio full of talented, dedicated hard-working students. I am very excited about the upcoming 2011/2012 season schedule. Personally, life is great after marriage. Currently we are waiting for our foster child placement. The process has been a daunting one, but is quite educational. Professionally, I have numerous performances scheduled as a soloist, guest clinician and or director. I am really looking forward to my upcoming performances in El Paso,Texas and in Monroe, MI. Beyond that, life is wonderful. God has and continues to bless me. That is it for now!

~GJB

Leave a Response »

 

MY UPCOMING 2011/2012 CONCERT PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE Tuesday, Jun 21 2011

2011-2012 Season RECITAL/SPECIAL GUEST APPEARANCES:

Sunday, September 11, 2011 3pm

Mozart Requiem Mass, K. 626

“9/11 Memorial Commemoration Project”

Plymouth Congregational Church, Lansing, MI

Featuring: 150-voiced chorus w/ symphony orchestra and soloists

********************************************************************

Sunday, October 23, 2011 3pm

“Schubertiade:”

An Intimate Afternoon of Music, Poetry and Desserts

Davidson Center Auditorium, Battle Creek, MI

Admission: Free  

********************************************************************

November 12, 2011

The Negro Spiritual Project

A Lost Art: PBS documentary and live concert recording

Georgia International Convention Center

Atlanta, GA 

********************************************************************

Sunday, December 11 at 3:00 PM

MESSIAH by G. F. Handel

Monroe Community Chorale and Symphony

IHM Motherhouse Cathedral, Monroe, MI 

*********************************************************************

Sunday, February 26, 2012 3pm

Two Sistas and a Brotha: A Celebration of the African American Art Songs & Spirituals

Gerald Blanchard, baritone

Alfrelynn Roberts, soprano

Carmen Smith, soprano

Nancy Brown, pianist

Davidson Center Auditorium, Battle Creek, MI

Admission: Free will contribution

Leave a Response »

 

So Much Has Changed! Wednesday, Apr 6 2011

Well, much time has certainly passed since my last blog entry. I generally try to post at least once per month, but alas my desire didn’t match my action. So, here it goes…

Since my last entry in January, I have officially received (in hand) my doctorate degree! I am quite happy that I managed to cross that hurdle and can now move forward in life and the many other musical activities on the horizon. Musically, things are going very well. I of course sang the Vaughn Williams Fantasia on Christmas Carols last season with the Battle Creek Symphony and had a Messiah with the Monroe Symphony and Chorus. I and two fabulous sopranos Carmen Smith and Alfrelyn Roberts will give a recital next spring entitled “Two Sistas and a Brotha in Concert.” The program will feature the classical art songs and arias by African American composers and is being planned for February 23rd., more details to come later.  Other musical projects in the works include several choral programs, participation on an upcoming PBS documentary special, a master class at the University of Texas at El Paso and some which have not yet been confirmed. In short, life is as usual, BUSY and glorious.

Personally, Steve and I are continuing the ongoing preparations for our upcoming nuptials which are slated for May 21st. Thus far, the DJ and photographer has been booked, cake ordered, the vendors are all set, the music is planned and the church and minister are both all set. We can now sit back and focus on the true meaning of the event, the expression of our love for one another. We are so excited and looking forward to our special day.

As for my health, the surgery was a huge success. I am now back to my normal energetic, focused self.  The surgeons took great care during the process and my voice is fully functional.   I feel so very blessed on a variety of levels. I have love of family, joy of friendship and a job which I look forward to each day… what more can one ask?  That is it for now. Will blog more next month!

Ciao!!!

I Feel Blessed Today!

2 Responses »

 

Today is a new day! Sunday, Jan 9 2011

As I sit and type this note, I see the beauty of the day, the snow-covered streets, my four-legged hound and my partner in life. I am forced to realize how truly blessed I am. I wish joy to each of you on this glorious Sunday afternoon.

Gerald and Steve

 

 

2 Responses »

 

End of the Year Holiday Letter Wednesday, Dec 22 2010

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!

Happy Holidays to you

Greetings to our Dear Friends,The time of year has come to reflect on past achievements and future goals.  Life has been absolutely wonderful for the both of us this year, and we are planning on having a fantastic year in 2011.

 

ABOUT STEVE:Steve returned to school to pursue his graduate degree in statistics.  He still maintains his current fulltime position at Covance/Kelloggs, though he no longer works at his second job.  His work was made even more challenging this year as he took part in opening a new laboratory for Covance in Battle Creek.  This year Steve purchased a new car as his old trusted vehicle was no longer so trustworthy.  Besides that, he continues to sing in three choirs (Ars Voce, Branch County Community Chorus and First Presbyterian Church Chancel Choir), perform as church choir president, and is a member of two Toastmasters groups.  He is looking forward to more classes in 2011 and is amazed at how much more focus he has on his classes the second time around.

 

ABOUT GERALD:Gerald has finally finished school and will obtain his doctorate degree from Michigan State University.  His work at the college continues to be very fulfilling for him, but he had a grueling semester due to his doctorate. Gerald manages to maintain a very active performing schedule in addition to his teaching duties at the college, including performances with several musical organizations as guest artist.  He performed with the Battle Creek Symphony Orchestra for performances of Fantasia on Christmas Carols by Vaughan Williams, Messiah with the Monroe Chorale and Symphony and he has had two solo recitals as well.  He does however force himself (on occasion) to rest and relax whenever possible. Next year, Gerald will take part in a PBS documentary on the Negro Spiritual as well as give a performance at the University of Texas at El Paso.  On a not so happy note, he will have to have surgery in January, but we are certain that his recovery period will be quick.

 

ABOUT BUDDY: To put it simply, Buddy is Buddy!

 

ABOUT US:This has been a very positive year for us.  The big news is that the two of us will celebrate our love on Saturday, May 21, 2011. Yes, we are finally making it official. The service will be at the First Congregational Church here in town with an equally fabulous reception at a local country club. Celebrations abound! We are both looking forward to our visit to Philly for the Christmas holiday as it will be celebrated in full force with Gerald’s family. Last Christmas, we held it here at our home, which was special in itself as that was the very first time the two families had ever met. Beyond that, we are looking towards the future.Well that is all for now. Best wishes for a most joy filled holiday season!

 

Love, Gerald & Steve…and Buddy say’s “Me too!” 

Leave a Response »

 

Friday, Dec 3 2010

Dr. Gerald J. Blanchard

This is a note I am very excited to write. I am so happy to announce that I passed my defense and can now be called Dr. Gerald Blanchard without guilt. This has been a dream for so long, and I feel so Blessed to have reached this very important milestone in my life. I share this with my family! I love you guys!!!!!

Leave a Response »