Thank You Mr. Ryan!

We all thank you Mr. Ryan ~ It's so hard to call you Dave
We still remember the days ~ When we were forced to behave
You've brought us many memories ~ And shared with us your joy
Of singing beautiful songs ~ With technique you helped us employ!!

You came to Fridley High School ~ 1966 was our lucky year
There were only two small choirs ~ One you could hardly hear
You started out recruiting ~ Then started coaching basketball as well
Soon there were more male voices ~ Your choirs began to excel!!

Now here's a little history ~ That began in 1973
A talent show was crashed ~ Danny Smooth and the Hoods were on a spree
They've appeared many times ~ But top billing they've never received
Due to trouble with the law ~ True greatness was never achieved!!

Tonight we wish they were performing ~ Perhaps the last time for us to hear
"Little Darling and Run Around Sue" ~ Would cause our eyes to tear
Don't bother making requests ~ Those two songs are all they know
And please don't agitate them ~ Or their roughness they might show!!

You developed nodules on your vocal chords ~ The year was 1978
They were removed in "79" ~ Teaching with a microphone ended up being your fate
Retirement came in "83" ~ After "19"years you began a new career
Leaving your Fridley High School ~ And the choirs you held so dear!!

You've done quite well in Real Estate ~ Selling many of us our house
And many of us who sang together ~ Have become each others spouse
You came back to give a hand ~ "A Sterling Performance" in "1995"
From that came the Alumni Choir ~ For ten wonderful years we thrived!!

You've given us much wisdom ~ Like singing with artistry and soul
Remembering the notes doesn't matter ~ Sopranos have the high profile role
But Altos last much longer ~ And the Tenors were favored by Dave
Basses aren't as stupid as they look ~ This wisdom we'll take to the grave!!

We joined the choir for the music ~ The friendships made us stay
Working hard with your inspiration ~ And your guiding hand each day
You united us with your energy ~ And gave us the gift of your love and time
We thank you for your leadership ~ But it's the end of this paradigm!!

So Mr. Ryan thank you ~ And Judy, we thank you too
For sharing Dave with all of us ~ Our guiding light so true
Each time that we hit a note ~ While singing with our heart
We'll remember our Mr. Ryan ~ The Choir Director who gave us our start!!
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