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Sharing Pitt Memories

Pitt: Where I Found My Voice

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Beverly Johnston (EDUC ’53): 

In 1951 during my sophomore year at Pitt, I was persuaded by friends to join the Heinz Chapel Choir, although I had never sung before. The choir, directed by the beloved Theodore “Pop” Finney, was a close-knit “family”—we sang our hearts out for Pop, and he treated all the members of the choir as his children. I loved singing alto with that group, and because of my experience at Pitt in addition to the classroom education I received (especially in my Shakespeare class), I am still singing in a 100-member mixed choral group, a barbershop group, and a women’s quartet. My vocal range has actually expanded over the years, and at the grand old age of 80, I’m having a great time.