Gold Company season preview concert

By Kaelyn Christian
Western Herald

Western Michigan University’s acclaimed vocal jazz ensembles, Gold Company and Gold Company II will be performing their annual “Sneak Preview” Concert in the Dalton Center Recital Hall, tonight, Nov. 5 at 8:15 p.m.

Gold Company is under the direction of critically acclaimed jazz musician Steve Zegree, Ph. D., who has recorded several CDs as well as written several books. This year will mark his return from sabbatical, which at least one Gold Company member is infinitely grateful for.

“One of my favorite parts of being involved with Gold Company is being under the direction of Dr. Zegree. You learn so much, he really knows what he’s doing. He does a lot for me, going into music education. I learn a lot from him,” said Tommy Proulx, a senior music education major at WMU, who is in his first year with Gold Company.

Gold Company performs a wide range of styles including jazz, pop, gospel, and classic oldies like “Wonderful World” and “Route 66” and their repertoire is ever widening.

“I think my favorite is ‘I Believe’ by Fantasia Barrino from American Idol. It really says that anything is possible if you believe in yourself, and I really connect with those lyrics,” Proulx said.

Gold Company performs throughout the year, culminating in a performance at Miller Auditorium in February.

Performances this year include singing at the Forrest Hills Jazz Festival as well as a performance at the Lincoln Center in New York City.

“Everyone is very, very talented. The singers are top notch,” Proulx said.

Gold Company rehearses in small groups and sections, in addition to several full ensemble rehearsals a week.

“Everyone puts in a lot of work outside of rehearsal time together to pull the show off, in sectionals and small groups. There’s a lot more that goes into it than just full group rehearsal,” Proulx said.

Singing isn’t all you’ll get at a Gold Company show, either, according to Proulx.

“Our opening number is legit, choreographed dancing. We have minor choreography throughout but not big like the opener. I love it, I totally love it,” Proulx said. “I really haven’t danced since I’ve been an adult, so it’s like a totally new experience for me. It’s so fun and gives me a lot of energy.”

Gold Company offers something for everyone, and Proulx believes that no one will leave a Gold Company show disappointed.

“It will be very entertaining and the music is great. We don’t just sing contemporary stuff. There’s something for everybody,” Proulx said.

Tickets for the “Sneak Preview” Concert are $5 for students, $10 for the general public, and are available at the door.

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Posted by heraldstaff on Nov 4 2009. Filed under A & E, Weekend Scene. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

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