The Scottsdale Chorus is proud to be under the direction of Sweet Adelines Master Director 700, Lori Lyford. Since 1993, Lori's passion for excellence has led the Scottsdale Chorus to six International third-place chorus medals, one second-place medal, and in 2005 and 2010, the grandest prize of all, International first-place medals and the title of Sweet Adelines International Chorus Champions for 2006 and 2011.

Lori Lyford 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 the Scottsdale Chorus to a third-place international medal. The question "Lori who?" was resoundingly answered by those performances, and today Lori is one of the most sought-after coaches in the barbershop genre. Her personal objective is to continue to learn about the barbershop craft and to share that knowledge wherever she can in order to enhance the skills, confidence and musical credibility of our membership.

Lori is one of only seven Sweet Adelines directors to achieve the title of "Master Director 700," which distinguishes those who have directed their choruses to a 700+ point score in competition. She is also a Certified International Faculty member and has conducted numerous training seminars and coaching sessions throughout the United States and abroad. Lori has earned a well-deserved reputation as a highly effective, personable, energetic educator and coach who generously shares her talents with others. Whether swinging in a "Zoot Suit" or performing a solo in a tender ballad, Lori is the ultimate performer as well as the driving force behind the success of the Scottsdale Chorus. Lori is the lead singer in the International Medalist quartet, Affinity.

In her professional life, Lori has more than 30 years experience teaching music in elementary and secondary schools and has utilized her skills directing both vocal and band classes. Presently, she is the choral music teacher at Chandler High School in Chandler, Arizona.