About Us
Java Jived specializes in a cappella arrangements of jazz and pop classics from the 20's to the 80's. Known for its fine blend and intonation, this high-energy ensemble performs polished stylistic renditions of challenging repertoire by the best contemporary arrangers, including Deke Sharon, Kirby Shaw, Teena Chin, and Gene Puerling, who is well known for his arrangements for The Manhattan Transfer.
Our members are primarily classically trained professional musicians with years of experience exploring a variety of musical periods and genres with acclaimed local groups, including the St. Louis Chamber Chorus, St. Louis Symphony Chorus, The American Kantorei, and Collegium Vocale of St. Louis.
Here's a little more about each member of Java Jived!
Paul Buschmeyer (bass) is Chief Engineer at Integrated Systems Engineering, Inc. He holds degrees in Electrical Engineering from University of Missouri – Rolla (now Missouri S & T) and Washington University, and a an MBA from Washington University. Paul studied classical piano from grade school through high school, played French horn in band and sang in choir throughout high school and college. Paul currently sings in his church choir and is a 14 year member of the Missouri Choral Society. Paul, his wife Claudia, and daughter Anna reside in Ferguson Missouri. Email: paul.buschmeyer@sbcglobal.net
Mark Cereghino - (tenor) A resident of Glendale, MO, financial planner specializing in health and life insurance, Mark began playing rock and roll and recording in Memphis at Stax Records in college. He taught vocal music in Normandy Schools and is still singing with the St. Louis Symphony Chorus since 2004.
Email: cereghinomark@sbcglobal.net
Paul Hahn (baritone) After singing with the group only occasionally, Paul officially joined Java Jived as a full-time member in February, 2013; he belonged to the vocal jazz ensemble Offbeat in the ‘80s and ‘90s, which made him familiar with the style and some of the repertoire. Paul also sang with the Saint Louis Symphony Chorus for many years and coached them in the pronunciation of Tolkien’s languages when they performed music from the Lord of the Rings movies. He works at Washington University. Email: manynote@wustl.edu
Roberta Hmiel (alto) lives in Crestwood and currently assists in the execution of local estate sales. She has performed with the St. Louis Chamber Chorus and the Collegium Vocale of St. Louis. She has worked as choral librarian for several organizations and has been a member of the St. Peter’s Episcopal Church choir since 1992. A native of Pittsburgh, Roberta also performed with University Circle Chorale in Cleveland. Email: sphmiel@aol.com
Mark Luetzow (accompanist) is retired from civil service working for the Department of Defense, He enjoys living in Kirkwood where he volunteers as an AARP Tax-Aide. A lifelong pianist, he studied piano at the Wisconsin College of Music with Irma Habeck Dufenhorst. Mark also sings in the Christ Church Cathedral Choir. Mark and Nancy (JJ soprano) have three sons. Email: nluetzow1@aim.com
Nancy Luetzow, (soprano) formed Java Jived in early 2005. She also performs with Collegium Vocale of St. Louis and as a soloist. A former member of St. Louis Chamber Chorus, American Kantorei, and St. Louis Bach Society, and Episcopal church choirs, this native St. Louisan was a freelance translator of scientific-technical Russian to English for nearly 35 years. She's now serving a third term as a Council Member in the City of Kirkwood. Email: nluetzow1@aim.com
Phyllis Pasley - (alto) is a resident of Maryland Heights, MO is the executive director for the Missouri Alliance for Arts Education and a retired elementary music specialist in Pattonville School District, where Phyllis also leads the district's K-12 vocal general music team. Phyllis previously has performed as a soloist at several St. Louis area churches, and enjoyed a 22 year tenure with the St. Louis Chamber Chorus. She has been singing with Java Jived since May, 2012 and loves it! Email: phyllispasley77@gmail.comcom
Betsy Roig (soprano) lives in Webster Groves and taught elementary music for 33 years. She retired in 2019 and now enjoys traveling and spending time with her 5 grandchildren. She is a former member (13 years) of the St. Louis Chamber Chorus and also sings in her church choir, directed by her husband, Greg. Greg serves as the sound technician for Java Jived and occasionally accompanies the group on guitar and bass. Email: broig56@yahoo.com
Mark Scharff (tenor) is an Iowa native and resident of St. Louis’ Skinker-Debaliviere neighborhood since 1992. The Music/Special Collections Catalog Librarian at Washington University, Mark sings in the St. Louis Symphony Chorus and Gateway Men’s Chorus, and toots his tuba from time to time.
Email: mscharff@wustl.edu
