Patricia "Pat" Rygg - Director
This vivacious and expressive director has been directing the Vallee de Croix Chorus since 1986. Under Pat’s leadership the chorus has won many regional medals including the coveted “gold” in 2002 and again in 2004. She was awarded the title of “Master Director” in the Sweet Adelines International Director Certification Program when the chorus performed its way to a score of 602 points at the regional competition in 2002.
Growing up on the east side of the Twin Cities, Pat always loved to sing, but it wasn’t until she became a charter member of the newly formed Vallee de Croix Chorus in 1983 that she developed a love and a passion for 4-part barbershop harmony. Pat honed her skills in this style of singing as the lead in 4-Star Collection. This quartet attained the highest Sweet Adeline International achievement when they became the 1997 International Quartet Champions. She currently also sings lead with 2-time Regional Quartet Champion Espresso.
Pat is involved in Region 6 as a faculty member, coaching other quartets and choruses and conducting seminars. She is a member of the Board of Directors and is the Vice President of the Coronet Club (an exclusive group of past Sweet Adelines International Quartet Champions). She is also the newsletter editor for the club.
Pat has two adult children, Christopher and Stephanie. Besides music, she has been known to make a pretty tasty pan of lasagna and not many can beat her authentic Italian eggplant parmesan. She also has an artistic flair when it comes to decorating cakes and pastries in the bakery department!
Vallee de Croix is very proud to have Pat as our director. With her inspiration, talent and leadership the achievement of the Vallee de Croix Chorus has no limits!
Liz Turba - Associate Director
When Liz Turba joined Vallee de Croix in 1997, she brought an amazing surge of energy and youthful exuberance, along with a remarkable talent. Liz sings the part of Lead in the chorus, but is so versatile that she can fill in for any other part as well. To demonstrate this ability, Liz currently sings Baritone with the award-winning quartet Espresso.
Liz became Associate Director of the chorus in 2006. Her capabilities have increased exponentially as she applied her skills to leading the chorus in exercises and warm-ups, and went on to directing with an open and encouraging style that elicits great sounds from everyone under her guidance.
After being a respected leader within Vallee de Croix for several years, Liz was invited to become a member of the Sweet Adelines International Region 6 Music Faculty, an honor befitting her extraordinary talents. Can-Am Region 6 includes choruses from North and South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, and parts of Canada, and her responsibilities include conducting seminars and workshops, and coaching choruses throughout the Region for improvements in vocal skills, sound, showmanship, and expression.
Lorraine Scherer - Associate Director
Lorraine came to Vallee de Croix Chorus in 1991 with a background of barbershop harmony and as a twenty year member of Sweet Adelines years of being a quartet member has enhanced the musical leadership in the chorus. Her ability to sing two parts, baritone and tenor (does that make her bi-sectional?) is also a plus. Directing the chorus in Pat’s absence gives continuity of learning and training to the chorus.
Lorraine’s musical training began at a very young age, singing at age four, flute in fifth grade, bassoon in eighth grade. Her love of vocal and instrumental music has been with her ever since. Lorraine has earned the distinction of the title Sweet Adeline International Certified Director.
In “real life” Lorraine works for Knights Formal Wear and Northwestern Costume – which really is advantageous for the chorus at show time!
Lorraine and husband Terry live in White Bear Lake, MN. She is proud to say that Terry is one of Vallee de Croix’s biggest fans! Together they enjoy spending time with their three sons, Christopher, his wife Denise, Gary and his wife Paola, Michael and his fiancée, Jackie, and three wonderful grandchildren.
