Classic Jazz

Classic Jazz members arrive at least one half hour before our agreed performance time.
We appreciate a room or hallway in which to assemble. Director and accompanist review the room’s configuration, piano positioning, singers’ performance space, and microphone placement, if used. Our director and performers are elegantly dressed – we have several costume options. Tops of silvery sequins or black taffeta set off with rhinestones accompany black slacks and lots of sparkling jewelry. We make an impression!
At the client’s signal, our singers walk into the performance space forming two lines facing the audience; our pianist takes her place at the piano and immediately begins our lively opening number. In our second number, we introduce our group and the performers individually.
Classic Jazz engages audiences with our swinging, jazz-infused renditions of familiar favorites delivered in five-part harmony, and with soaring solos. A dollop of choreography sweetens our performance. We love singing a mix of jazz standards, Broadway and pop hits, spirituals and light opera. Patriotic melodies, Christmas favorites, sacred and wedding music round out our extensive repertoire.
Depending on the amount of time we are to sing, we perform approximately 10 to 14 songs. Groups of related songs are introduced by one of our singers with a bit of musical history or acknowledgement of the composers.
Before our last song we thank the audience, and after bow and file out of the performance space.

PAT AUSTIN - Classic Jazz Director and Founder (2000)
BA in music from East Central University in Oklahoma
Masters work at Tulsa University
Taught elementary school music
Played piano for Broadway musical productions at Stratford High School
Played piano as part of a 5 member combo for 4 years that played at “Ovations”, a local night club for Classical and Jazz performers
Served as Interim Church Music Director for Grace Presbyterian for a year, then two times at Sugar Land Methodist, each time for a year
Volunteers at Montgomery United Methodist Church playing piano, organ and directing the choir and the congregation.

ALICE COATE - Accompanist
Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from Indiana University
Master's Degree in Choral Conducting and Piano Performance - Butler University
Master's Degree in Marriage Family Therapy - Butler University
Taught music 7 years - Purdue University
20 years of work in Methodist Churches - Lebanon, Indiana; Round Rock, Texas; Sugar Land, Texas; College Station, Texas
Currently subbing in Houston area churches

PATTY ALBERS - 1st Soprano
For nearly half her life, Patty has been involved in making music. Her love for music was launched by a wonderful choir director in a church high school choir. Besides choral and ensemble singing, she plays handbells and the piano. Patty loves many styles of music, and counts show tunes and popular standards with a jazzy twist among her favorites.

VICKI BARRETT - 2nd alto
Vicki began her musical training early in life. She began with private piano lessons at age 7 and added flute lessons in 6th grade. The decision to concentrate on flute was made in 7th grade and she went on to play in orchestra, symphonic band and marching band throughout high school and to compete in NY at the state level in numerous music competitions. Practicality eventually won out over her love of music and Vicki attended college in Rhode Island and majored in Pharmacy. She has practiced pharmacy here for over 30 years. She sang for numerous years in the church choir and is a charter member of Classic Jazz (2000). She is occasionally coaxed into accompanying the group on her flute.

DEBO BARTOS - 2nd Soprano

LYNNE CLARK - 1st Soprano
Lynne holds a B.A. in Music from Rice University, where she studied voice under Virginia Babikian. She also holds a B.S. from Ohio State University and studied choral conducting at Houston Baptist University. She has performed at Main Street Theatre and in HBO's The James Brady Story. Lynne has sung in many local choral ensembles including Classic Jazz, the Chorale at First United Methodist Church of Houston and the Houston Symphony Chorus including performances in Mexico City. Lynne joined CUMC in 1993 and has performed solos in several of the major works, including the Vivaldi Gloria, Saint-Sans Christmas Oratorio, the Rutter Gloria, the Faur Requiem, the Dubois Seven Last Words of Christ, and the Schubert Mass in G and the Brahms Requiem. Lynne is extremely active in CUMC’s Music Ministry serving presently in the Chancel Choir and Jubilation Ringers. In the past she has been Youth Handbell Director, Director of Children’s Choirs, and Youth Choir Director.

JANE FINNERAN - 2nd Alto
Jane has been drawn to choirs throughout her life, starting in the junior choir of her church, and high school choir. More recently, she was a student of vocal instructor Kent Banbury of Banbury School of Voice. Jane has been a member of Classic Jazz since October 2010.

VICKI KNOWLES - 1st Alto
Vicki was introduced to Classic Jazz in 2009 through another member and became part of the Alto section. After singing at church and in competitive choral groups in school, she put it aside during her Texas A&M years. She became an engineer and didn't sing in a group again until she discovered the Sweet Adelines in Lafayette, Louisiana where she sang baritone and lead for a quartet. After many years and many moves raising a family, she was thrilled to find Pat and the Classic Jazz group to bring her back to her favorite activity!

ELIZABETH KRAGAS - 1st Soprano
Elizabeth gets a kick out of the wonderful music and camaraderie of this group. After receiving a high school diploma in piano performance, Elizabeth ventured into vocal training and performance. She has been fortunate to sing with Tulsa Opera, Houston Masterworks, Bach Choir of The Bach Society Houston, and church choir. A highlight was being chosen to sing in J. S. Bach's St. Matthew Passion with conductor Helmuth Rilling at Carnegie Hall.

ANN MCINTIRE - 2nd Soprano
Ann is a retired Registered Nurse. Ann has sung in various church and school groups most of her life, performing quartet, ladies group and now with Classic Jazz. She enjoys volunteering and playing the piano as well as singing.

PAM SCARBOROUGH - 2nd Soprano

CAROLYN THOMPSON - 2nd Soprano/1st Alto
Carolyn is Choral Director for two groups, has been a piano teacher, performed leads in musicals, and published handbell compositions.

Our singers need a space 8 feet deep by 16 feet wide space. Piano should be near singers. Overall space approximately 8 feet by 24 feet.
This space accommodates our dance moves.

In a large space, microphones on stands - one to three - are needed.