Chosen family can create ties that bind beyond geographical separation, time and, yes, even a pandemic. Bingham Vick Jr. and Judy Vick, prove that, and after spending decades mentoring, training and feeding their Furman kids – Vick’s students in Furman Singers – branches of their family tree extend all over the world.

Vick came to Furman as director of Furman Singers in 1970. He taught in the Furman Department of Music during his tenure before retiring in 2010. He serves as artistic director and conductor for the Greenville Chorale, a position he has held since 1981.

“We entertained our Singers ‘children’ in our home for 40 years,” Vick said. “Judy enjoyed preparing outstanding dinners for our students, and we always enjoyed the relaxed evenings of conversation which followed. Over those 40 years, we figure we had some personal part in the Furman experience for at least a thousand students, and we have stayed in touch with many of those students as they have grown into their own careers and families. They tell us they are proud of their Furman experience and grateful for the part Furman Singers had in their personal and professional growth.”

Bingham Vick, Retired faculty member and Furman Singers Director. Photo provided by Bingham Vick.

From Switzerland to New York City and many places in between, Vick’s influence is heard in concert halls and sanctuaries where his former students extend his teachings to new generations.

“It’s nice to know that they are out doing good things,” he