About Champagne Quartet

Champagne Quartet, initially formed in November 2008, is comprised of both brand-new and experienced quartetters. Robin joined the other three in August 2009. Many things about barbershop harmony resonate with us personally, and each of us has our own story about how we got involved. The one common theme that strings through each story is passion of music and for sharing it with others. It always seems music and celebrations go hand-in-hand, so what better name than Champagne?

Robin Osborn - Tenor

In August of 2009, Champagne found itself in need of a new tenor. Fortunately for us, Robin was looking for a new quartet. Robin has been a singer for as long as she can remember. Her first barbershop chorus was Flathead Harmony in Kalispell, Montana. She currently sings with Jet Cities Chorus in Federal Way, WA. Robin is a long-time quarteter. Her first quartet, Emerald Spirit, received the Novice Quartet award at her first regional contest. Emerald Spirit was only the beginning with Emerald Reign, Night Flight, Back Talk, Vocal Motion and, now, Champagne! What a fun journey!

Robin has not been content to keep her singing to herself as it is a huge part of her life. Her two daughters, Kelly and Julie, both love to sing and join their mother on the risers at Jet Cities. Her husband, Wayne, and stepson, Richard, both support her in her musical endeavors. When not singing barbershop with her chorus or quartet, Robin sings on the music team at the Puyallup Methodist Church. When not singing, she works for the Puyallup School District. When neither singing or working, she runs half-marathons or plays with the family dog, Molly. Did we mention that Robin has a lot of energy?

Robin grew up in Kent, WA, lived in New Jersey for about ten years, Montana for another year, and is back in the Pacific Northwest again loving every rainy minute of it! Her personal view of life is that "Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away." For Robin, singing provides ample moments.

Debra Aungst - Lead

Music has always been a big part of Debra’s life. From the time she could pull herself up to the phonograph and be-bop to the rhythms of Elvis, she has had music in her bones.  Her 6th grade debut at a school assembly singing You Can’t Get a Man With A Gun set the stage for a lifetime of performing. Piano lessons, viola lessons, church choir, and high school choir occupied much of her teen years.

A barbershopper since 1993, she has sung all four parts and sung in multiple quartets, including Rush Hour, Good Company and Moxie. She has sung with Pacific Sound Chorus, serving in several capacities over the years including serving as the visual team leader and on the music learning team. She loves entertaining and has abundant natural showmanship. “I love singing with Champagne! Singing with these three fabulous musicians is truly a celebration.”

Debra's interests extend to her work at the Puyallup School District. She loves education and loves children. It's a perfect combination! And if that doesn't keep her busy enough, she also works in her "spare time" as an adjunct professor at Seattle Pacific University and City University in their executive leadership programs.

Her favorite time of all is spent with her husband, Steve, who is so supportive of her endeavors. They enjoy traveling and spending time with their three sons, two-and-a-half daughters-in-law (yes--the half is a fiance), and two grandchildren. Be careful asking about them -- she will talk your ear off! They are the light of her life!

 

Rebecca Bell - Baritone

Rebecca can’t remember a time when she wasn’t singing.  The youngest of four girls, she was encouraged to sing as part of family performances or to pass the time in the car.  Her first quartet was with her sisters, and she grew up listening to her mother and grandmother sing songs from their youth.  Having participated in her share of choruses, choirs and other singing groups from grammar school through college, Rebecca went on to write songs and play the guitar in New York and Los Angeles.  Finally, she changed her focus to the corporate world and devoted herself to getting an MBA, working in the world of training, followed shortly by a family. 

Some 20 years later, while traveling home from the airport, she said to the driver of a van bringing her home from the airport (who happened to direct men’s barbershop), “It’s time to get music back into my life.”  A half hour later a phone call from the driver’s wife introduced her to Pacific Sound Chorus and the wonderful world of barbershop. She feels fortunate in having been introduced to barbershop by the talented directors and musical leaders of PSC.  Being the baritone in a competing quartet has only provided more opportunities for growth and fun and ringing chords.  Rebecca looks forward to sharing her love of music and continuing up the learning curve of barbershop skills for some time to come.

Valorie Osterman - Bass

Valorie is the baby of the quartet in many ways. Valorie didn't sing as a child and only sang in high school because her high school didn't have a band program to let her continue to play the tuba. Valorie mostly sang the men's baritone and bass parts. Of course, being female, her official part was always the alto line.

Spring forward 20 years when Valorie's son, Daniel, was taking his first voice lesson from Nikki Blackmer. Valorie was sitting on the couch in the other room quietly singing along as Nikki explored Daniel's range. Imagine Valorie's embarrassment when Nikki came out to ask if she was singing!  Nikki finally managed to get through to Valorie that barbershop would let Valorie sing in that low range, and the rest is (very recent) history. Valorie came to an a cappella joy rehearsal the next week, and they have been the highlight of her week for the last 7 years.  

The Osterman's are well on their way to being an all-barbershop family. Valorie's daughter, Sharron, is working to join a cappella Joy.  Valorie's son, Daniel, joined Northwest Sound just before he left to enjoy his first year of college and now her husband, Larry, is working to join NWSound!  Valorie's bedrock of stability has always been her husband, Larry. Valorie and Larry are coming up on their 25th anniversary and are still madly devoted to each other.