As we all know, Bill Noyes founded the group as the Penn State Pop Choir in 1980. But for the last fourteen years, Pete has been at the helm and helped raise the group's reputation and professionalism immensely. It's hard to fathom that the 1985-86 group, in which the women wore nursing skirts and polo shirts, is the same organization performing today.
Reunion and Tribute
To honor and thank Pete for his fourteen years of teaching and guiding us, Jamie Nelson and Jessica Shelley, recent SLs alumni, organized a reunion and retirement party for Pete, which we held Friday - Sunday, April 23 - 25, 1999. As many of us arrived to State College Friday evening, we met at Pete and Mrs. Pete's house Friday night. Saturday evening, about 115 alumni, friends, and family gathered at Toftrees to honor the man that kept the music alive. We roasted Pete, sharing stories from the fourteen years of song and road trips, we sang to him the Alma Pater, and we reminisced--oh did we reminisce. About 70 alumni returned if I'm not mistaken. The weekend ended with a wonderful spring show Sunday afternoon. Alumni joined the current members on stage for a surprise, tear-filled gift of song to Pete. Some alumni sang solos and performed group numbers. Pete threw in a surprise and announced Ray's Rock House while we were all on stage. And we of course ended with Sing, Sing, Sing. We had a wonderful weekend but were sad that not everyone could make it back. Jamie and Jessica worked extremely hard to reach everyone in time. But sadly not everyone kept their address current with Pete.