Peggy Benton - Master Director
As the director of Alaska Sound Celebration, Peggy is a dynamic force in Anchorage’s musical community. Her passion for music shines through both her leadership and her work as a music specialist with the Anchorage School District, where she inspires young students to embrace the joy of music.
Peggy holds a Bachelor of Arts in Arts Administration and a Bachelor of Music, along with a Master of Teaching earned in 2006. A longtime member of Sweet Adelines International, she has served as a director for over 25 years, bringing her experience, energy, and enthusiasm to the chorus. Peggy is on the Regional Education Team and just began work with a New Director Co-hort mentorship program.
Beyond her musical leadership, Peggy has worn many hats in Anchorage’s theater scene, including roles in the beloved Fur Rendezvous Melodrama. Her performances highlight her comedic flair and fun-loving personality. She enjoys adding music and comedy to the Melodrama and delights in how the show has become a “Must See” for Anchorage audiences.
A devoted mother of two grown children—and several furry companions—Peggy leads a busy life. She delights in gardening, doting on her grandchildren Keagan, Addie, Hudson, Beckam, and Arie, and cherishes every moment as "Gramma." If time allowed, she’d most likely be found on her boat the "Salmon Ella", fishing with her husband Ron. Peggy also enjoys a good pun!
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.
