Welcome to the Gold Company Website
The Gold Company Program at Western Michigan University is widely recognized as one of the most successful and prestigious collegiate vocal jazz programs in the world. Many people believe the Gold Company Program to be unsurpassed in its comprehensive and innovative approach to the art of jazz and contemporary singing, and in its uncompromising dedication to the highest artistic standards. The Gold Company ensembles perform a wide variety of repertoire which covers all styles in the contemporary vocal idiom.
“Gold Company is the most professional college group I have ever seen."
Lyle Mays
“Gold Company is the absolute best sounding, hippest college vocal jazz ensemble I have ever heard.”
Janis Siegel (The Manhattan Transfer)
“Gold Company represents the gold standard among university jazz choral programs.”
Cedric Dent (Take 6)
“Dr. Stephen Zegree is one of those rare directors of collegiate ensembles who is able to take a group, in this case WMU’s Gold Company, to a professional level in performance and recordings.That the group is able to maintain that level through the years of constantly graduating members means, of course, that the best young jazz musicians are going to Kalamazoo to work with and learn from Zegree.”
Primarily A Cappella
“I always enjoy coming and hangin’ out with Gold Company. Steve’s groups are always fantastic. I appreciate their energy and enthusiasm.”
Bobby McFerrin
"Gold Company ALWAYS blows me away. I am so impressed AND inspired"
Luciana Souza
Gold Company releases new CD: "Who Could Ask For Anything More"
Gold Company is proud to announce the release of its much anticipated new CD with 15 fresh cuts (including several pieces never recorded before!) performed by Gold Company, the Gold Company Band and the GC Horns.
"Who Could Ask For Anything More" includes new and fresh arrangements written especially for Gold Company by Darmon Meader, Michele Weir, Duane Shields Davis, plus new charts by Gold Company alumni Ly Tartell, Tim Brent and Mark Jackson, plus wonderful arrangements by Roger Treece and Phil Mattson.
We know you will love the variety of grooves and great new original compositions and arrangements.
Tracks include: I Got Rhythm, This Can’t Be Love, Tea For Two, Pure Gold, Prisoner of Love, In The Stone, Stand Up For Love, Flight of the Bumble Bee, We’re Here For You, Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars, Go For The Gold, Every Time We Say Good Bye The Garden, I Believe, I’ve Got a Gal In Kalamazoo.
Available now for $15. Click here for an order Form [pdf]
Steve Zegree releases new book: The Wow Factor
A Comprehensive Guide for Performers
By Dr. Steve Zegree
What is it about some musicians and performers who consistently achieve success? Are they the best performers? Did they have the best teachers? Do they have the best professional contacts and connections? Is it just coincidence? Of course not! Dr. Steve Zegree of Western Michigan University, choral arranger and conductor of Western Michigan's Gold Company has developed this practical guide for performers, students, teachers and parents which offers fundamental philosophies and concepts that are essential to a person's growth and development and will contribute to a successful professional life in music. More than just the basics, more than a prescribed curriculum, and more than just getting in front of an audience to go through the motions of what you did in rehearsal call it the Wow Factor there is something for everyone in this book! And, as a special bonus, Chapter 8 offers interviews with great performers from all facets of the music industry including: Simon Carrington, Nick Lachey, Ward Swingle, Roger Emerson, Mac Huff, Liza Minnelli and many more! Check out the book on Amazon.com.
Duane Davis named Professor of Jazz Voice at WMU
The Jazz Studies Program at Western Michigan University is proud to announce that Duane Shields Davis has been hired to succeed Diana Spradling as Professor of Jazz Voice at The School of Music at Western Michigan University. Professor Davis recently retired as Director of Vocal Music at Grand Rapids Community College and is internationally recognized as a vocal jazz educator. He has traveled throughout the world as clinician and conductor, including recent appearances at the World Symposium on Choral Music in Japan and Carnegie Hall in New York City. He is past conductor of Gold Company and Gold Company II at WMU, and his arrangements and compositions have been premiered and recorded by the Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra and Gold Company, In addition, Professor Davis serves as the Dean on the staff of the Steve Zegree Vocal Jazz Camp. He is married and has three children, two of whom, pianist Xavier Davis and drummer Quincy Davis, are alumni of the Jazz Studies Program at Western Michigan University.
Steve Zegree releases new CD!!
Gold Company Director Dr. Steve Zegree has released a new CD on the Sea Breeze Jazz label. “Steve Zegree & Friends” features the pianist playing solo classical and jazz selections and includes duets with Metropolitan Opera baritone Tim Noble, Trent Kynaston, and the Dynamic Duane Shields Davis; a trio with Tim Froncek and Tom Knific; two cuts with the Western Jazz Quartet (featuring jazz drummer Billy Hart); and a cut recorded by Gold Company of a vocal arrangement written by Zegree. According to Zegree, "This is a very eclectic CD that includes some of my favorite musical friends and colleagues, and also manages to tie together all of my musical worlds and existences!"
See Track Listing (and order information)