Gold Company

GOLD COMPANY is the internationally regarded Jazz Show Vocal
Entertainment ensemble from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo,
directed by Dr. Stephen Zegree. Members are selected by audition from
Western’s enrollment of nearly 25,000 students.

With 16 singers and 8 piece instrumental ensemble, Gold Company
performs in every style from vocal jazz and show tunes to the hits of
today. Their vocal jazz combines musicianship, vocal technique, and
artistic sensitivity. Each singer must have the ability to
“swing,” and to master the complex harmonies and rhythms of vocal
jazz arrangements. Choreography and specialty acts are a part of Gold
Company’s exciting, energetic, and dynamic presentation.

Appearances

Gold Company has toured and performed throughout the United States,
Canada, Europe. And South Africa. The group has been selected
numerous times as “Outstanding Vocal Jazz Ensemble” by the
International Association for Jazz Education and has appeared at the
national conventions of Music Fest Canada, the Music Educators
National Conference, and the International Association for Jazz
Education. They have also performed at the divisional convention of
the American Choral Directors Association, the Midwest Music
Conference, Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and jazz festivals across
the U.S. and Canada. Gold Company has appeared in concert with such
guest artists as Bobby McFerrin, Rosemary Clooney, Kurt Elling,
Darmon Meader, Jon Hendricks, Don Shelton and Bonnie Herman of the
Singers Unlimited, and Janis Siegel of the Manhattan Transfer. The
ensemble has been awarded over 40 “DB” awards from Down Beat
magazine. In addition, the group has produced several CD’s and
numerous demo tapes and videos for music publishing companies.

Gold Company was one of twelve choral groups from five continents,
and one of two from the United States, invited to perform at the 1993
World Symposium on choral music held in Vancouver, British Columbia.
It was the only university ensemble and the only vocal jazz group to
be so honored.

Dr. Stephen Zegree, Director