Phil Cheasebro - Director

Phil was born and raised in Aztec, NM and moved to Alaska in 2009.  Phil has been a member of many ensembles (classical, contemporary, rock/country, acapella, and barbershop) throughout New Mexico, Colorado, Alaska and New York.  Phil received his Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Alaska Anchorage and has sung for numerous seasons with the Anchorage Opera, including roles of Samuel in Pirates of Penzance, the Marchese in La Traviata, and Morales in Carmen.  Phil has also performed with the University of Alaska Opera Ensemble, the New York Lyric Opera, and is a member of the Alaska Chamber Singers.  

Phil is an avid fan of barbershop harmony.  He started singing barbershop in high school and has since directed multiple ensembles, including the Manhattan based Big Apple Chorus, and Voices of Gotham (associate director).  In addition to Alaska Sound Celebration, Phil currently directs the Anchorage Midnight Sons Chorus and serves as faculty at the regional weekend barbershop education Harmony College Northwest in Tacoma, WA.

Melodee Risi - Associate Director

Living in Alaska is a dream come true for Melodee because she loves snow!  Snowballing, sledding, shoveling, snowshoeing – she is never happier than during the winter.  Melodee became a Sweet Adeline in 1999, becoming a Certified Director in 2011.  She co-founded Alaska A Cappella University in 2008, a music festival for teenage youth singers.  In addition to the chorus, she enjoys coaching ASC quartets, as well as playing the piano.  She and her husband have 2 grown children and spouses living nearby, with six grandchildren to enjoy the outdoor life with her.  Just don’t ask her to wear pink – she will cringe at the very thought of it.