Kathy James, piano

Kathy started taking piano lessons at the age of 10. She studied classical music throughout high school and college, and was involved with Jazz bands during that time as well. She took piano lessons with Tom Svaboda while majoring in music at Portland State University. After graduation she became interested in world travel, spent some time in the South Pacific, and then came back to begin a career as a travel agent. She lived in Ft. Lauderdale Florida for seven years then returned to Oregon, where her son became interested in singing and voice lessons. Of course, she was his accompanist, and enjoyed it so much it was the motivation to get back to playing music again. She now works full time with her husband who owns a small business in Portland, and plays piano with the Bureau of Standards Big Band. "I love the music from the Big Band era, and am having so much fun. I can't thank the band enough for giving me the privilege of being part of this unique, talented group."