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Our philosophy is that if you want to
be the best, you bring in the best to help you get
there. We are both proud and thankful to have worked
with these powerfully creative and talented musicians. They think outside the box and push us to
do the same. We're learning ... winners don't play
it safe!
JIM ARNS
Jim Arns has directed Sweet Adelines
International Choruses since 1979 and began directing
the Melodeers Chorus in 1988. Under Jim's direction
the Melodeers Chorus moved from a 9th place
international competition finish in 1990 to four
consecutive gold medal victories in 1995, 1998, 2001
and in 2004.
Jim earned his Bachelor of Music Degree
at Benedictine University and his Masters of Music
Degree from Northwestern University. Jim has attained
Master Director status, the highest possible rank for
a Sweet Adeline director. He is in demand, both as a
chorus and quartet coach and as an arranger of various
music styles.
Jim travels around the world coaching
choruses and quartets, when he's not at home with the
Melodeers.
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LORI LYFORD
The Scottsdale Chorus is
pleased and proud to be celebrating their first ten
years with the dynamic Lori Lyford as their director.
Lori came to Scottsdale from Yakima, Washington, where
she had been the Director of the Rolling Hills Chorus
in Region 13. Within a few short months, in her first
appearance on International competition stage, Lori
directed Scottsdale Chorus to a third-place
international chorus medal in Indianapolis.
Since that time Lori's
passion for excellence has directed Scottsdale Chorus
consistently to top honors. They've earned three
additional international third-place medals and one
second-place medal, as well as first-place honors in 4
regional competitions. She has attained the coveted
Master Director designation and become a Certified
International Faculty member. As such Lori conducts
numerous training seminars and coaching sessions
throughout the United States and abroad. Her personal
objective is to continue to learn about our craft and
share that knowledge wherever she can in order to
enhance the skills, confidence and musical credibility
of our membership. In doing so she has earned a
well-deserved reputation as a highly effective,
personable, energetic educator and coach who
generously shares her talents with others.
Lori is enjoying her 25th
year as a music educator. She has taught in both
elementary and secondary schools, utilizing her music
skills with both vocal and band direction. Presently
Lori teaches general music and band at Sanborn
Elementary School in Chandler, Arizona.
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BETTY CLIPMAN
 Betty
Clipman
is a dynamic, highly- talented
musical leader. Her
list of credentials is impressive. Among these,
she served as International
President, chaired numerous
international committees, achieved Certified Judge
status in sound and expression categories, won
a gold medal as a quartet singer ("The Penna-Fores"),
and directed the Vienna Falls Chorus to their
international gold medal.
In 2000 she
received the President's Lifetime Achievement Award,
honoring her
contributions to and achievements within the
Sweet Adelines International
organization.
Betty
served as the Houston Horizon Chorus
director from 1989 to 2001. Now, she is a fulltime
coach and extensively travels
the world
coaching choruses and quartets
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SANDY ROBINSON MARRON
Sandy Robinson is Master
Director of the 3rd Place Medalists at Calgary --
Lions Gate Chorus.
She is also a Certified
International Faculty member and an Approved Sound
Judge. Sandy has a diverse background of musical
experience and education, including 12 years of
piano and theory training with the Royal
Conservatory of Music in Canada and 5 years in
Choral Music Education at the University of
Victoria. Sandy received her Bachelor of Arts
& Education degrees in Psychology and Music
Education from the University of Victoria in 1986,
after which she moved to Vancouver. A year later,
she discovered Sweet Adelines.
Because of Sandy’s
dedication, the Lions Gate Chorus has achieved much
success throughout the years, and has developed into
a strong and dynamic group of 100+ women who enjoy
the standard of excellence set by Sandy at every
rehearsal and performance.
Sandy also sings tenor
with
Brava!, the
2004 International Quartet Champions, crowned
“Queens of Harmony” in Phoenix, Arizona. Brava! is
the first quartet from Canada to ever win the
International Championship.
Sandy is a professional
coach, and travels the world coaching choruses and
quartets in both the Sweet Adelines & Barbershop
Harmony Society organizations. She coaches and
teaches all over the world, including Canada, USA,
Scotland, England, New Zealand, Australia and
Germany.
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CAROLE KIRKPATRICK
Carole Kirkpatrick is the former Master Director of
the top-10 international medalists,
Pacific Sound Chorus in Region 13.
She is also
a
Certified Expression Judge, past International
President, Judge Specialists Moderator, on the
International Board of Directors, and the Finance
Committee. Carole has been a member of Sweet
Adelines for 37 years!
Coaching quartets and choruses, training judges and
coaches, and teaching a variety of subjects from
vocal production and directing skills to team
building for section leaders, music staff,
choreography teamwork and long-range planning are
just a few of her many talents.
Carole holds a special place in our hearts as she
has the distinction of mentoring us through our
merger and the birth of Pride of Portland Chorus in
2001.
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