MASTER CALENDAR
Golden West Region 21 is excited to offer two educational workshops on September 6, 2025,
in charming Chandler, Arizona.
Explore, Elevate, Imagine
Ready to take your directing skills to the next level? Discover fresh techniques, sharpen your leadership and share your passion for excellence with fellow directors of all levels.
During the workshop we'll explore practical techniques for effective hand gestures and body language - focusing on how to communicate clearly without over-conducting or appearing overly controlling. We'll define and discuss the distinct roles of teacher, coach, and performer, and examine how our hand and arm positions can either support or hinder ensemble sound. Participants will also learn about roboto-ballad conducting and implied meter, and how these elements interact to enhance musical communication.
The workshop will include Q&A and guided discussion, ensuring that each participant can connect with topics relevant to their individual context, skill level, and interests.
Whether you're just starting to explore the world of arranging or you're an experienced creator looking to refine your skills, this hands-on, focused session is designed to spark your creativity and expand your toolkit.
This workshop will be divided into two classes:
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Beginner Class - ideal for those new to arranging, this session will cover the fundamentals and help you build a strong foundation.
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More Advanced Class - tailored for more experienced arrangers, this session will dive deeper into more advanced techniques and creative approaches.
Elevate your Impact: A Workshop for Directors of every level
Craft the Sound: An Arranging Workshop for all levels
Register for a Workshop
Your ticket will grant entry into either the Directors or Arrangers Workshop for the full day. Looking forward to seeing you there!
NOTE: The registration link is through Zeffy which defaults to a donation amount in the order form to keep their product free to non-profits like us. You can change this donation to a different amount, (including zero), but you must do this before you check out.
Other Details
Location:
Workshops will be in the Phoenix, Arizona area. Exact location will be communicated soon.
Date/Time:
Saturday, September 6, 2025
9am - 4pm
Accommodations:
Suggested accommodations in the Phoeinx, AZ area will be coming soon!
What to Bring:
Details will be e-mailed upon registration.
Lunch:
Lunches can be pre-ordered and will be sold by our host chorus Vocal Connection. Snacks will be available for sale as well. Attendees will be contacted about a week before the event with ordering details.
REGISTRATION & OTHER DETAILS
Welcome Lori Lyford
Lori Lyford has been the dynamic director of the internationally acclaimed, multi-award-winning Scottsdale Chorus since 1993. Widely recognized as one of the most sought-after coaches in the Sweet Adelines world, Lori brings decades of experience, passion, and musical excellence to every rehearsal and coaching session.
Lori began her Sweet Adelines journey in 1983 when she became the director of the Rolling Hills Chorus in Region #13. A decade later, she relocated to Arizona to lead the Scottsdale Chorus, guiding them to International Championship status.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in K–12 Music Education and Applied Voice, with a minor in Physical Education, from Whitworth College in Spokane, and in 2007, she earned a Master’s degree in Educational Psychology from Northern Arizona University.
Lori spent 42 years inspiring students as a public school music teacher, retiring in 2020 after a rewarding career that included teaching choir at Chandler High School, where she shared her love of barbershop with countless young singers. In 2017, she was honored as one of Arizona’s Top Five Teachers by the Arizona Educational Foundation.
A dedicated educator and International Faculty member since 1983, Lori has taught and coached in nearly every region of Sweet Adelines, leaving a lasting impact across the globe.
Lori has achieved the title of "Master Director 700," which distinguishes those who have directed their choruses to a 700+ point score in competition. Additionally, Lori is the Sweet Adelines 2025 President's Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient.
Directors Workshop
Welcome Susan Keegley
Susan has arranged many popular songs for choruses and quartets and enjoys mentoring inspiring arrangers.
She is the current Golden West Region 21 Arranger Certification Coordinator.
Welcome Janice Wheeler
Janice is longtime Faculty and Coordinator of the Region 13 Arrangers WorkShop and Tag Writing Contest at Harmony College Northwest.
Janice is Certified in Music Theory/Harmony and Music Business Law/Policy from Berklee College of Music.
Janice has dual SAI membership with Scottsdale Chorus and Pride of Portland Chorus and is a member of BHS.