About Resonance Vocal Ensemble
The Resonance Vocal Ensemble is a new musical group in the Phoenix Metropolitan area. Lorri McHardy, the group's musical director, formed the group after the breakup of the Arizona Mormon Choir & Orchestra, of which she was also musical director. While the former choir had consisted of around 150 musicians, Resonance Vocal Ensemble's size is intentionally limited to about 30. This smaller size allows the performance of more intimate music with tight harmonies and complex rhythms. The vocal prowess of each of the auditioned members can blend sensitively with each other, but can also project a thick and powerful sound. Musicians also do more than sing. Many of the singers double as pianists or instrumentalists. The group also has a string quartet within its ranks.
Resonance Vocal Ensemble had its debut performances as part of a tour to Europe in the summer of 2006 where they sang (as the Desert Valley Singers) in the first annual Passion for Music Festival in Oberammergau, Germany. Since then the group has performed in Phoenix, Mesa, and Snowflake under the name of the Latter Day Singers. Resonance Vocal Ensemble returned to the Passion for Music Festival in 2008, while also singing in Bern, Zurich, Salzburg, and Munich.
Music selected by the choir is of course of high standards, but is not limited at all to sacred or spiritual themes. Members enjoy performing madrigals, jazz, folk, and pop numbers along with sacred selections. Most important to the members is the feeling of love and camaraderie they feel as they rehearse and perform.
About Our Director
Lorri McHardy began her music education at a young age, playing flute, piano, organ, and singing alto. In college, her talents landed her a spot in the BYU Singers with whom she toured internationally and became a student conductor under Dr. Ronald Staheli. She graduated from Brigham Young University summa cum laude in 1987.
Lorri is the mother of six children, all of whom sing, and most of whom play the piano to some degree. She has balanced their upbringing with volunteering at their elementary school, directing and accompanying church choirs, conducting Messiah sing-along concerts, and teaching music to children. She sang with the Arizona Mormon Choir from 1996-2000, and then served as conductor for six years until the choir was disbanded in 2006.
Lorri has also taught piano to countless young students for more than 10 years, teaching not only piano prowess, but also a heavy emphasis on music theory. She has been a member of the Desert Valley Music Teacher's Association for 13 years, and currently serves as President.
