I have too many fond memories of Mr. Riley to describe them all - but to list a few of the highlights: Choir camp at Peterkin and saying Compline, singing with the BSO, performing at the National Cathedral, the choir trip to Charleston, summers in Rehoboth, the Morgan convertible, completely forgetting the words of my solo as the Page in Amahl and the Night Visitors but singing menacing sounds nonetheless, Lessons and Carols at Cathedral of Mary our Queen, Biebl's Ave Maria, sticking together as a "homeless" choir after leaving Old St. Paul's, stating "God, I'm good!" after singing the part of the Cantor in rehearsal, beautiful Irish Setters (namely Jameson), smoking a pipe, drinking gin & tonic with ice cold London dry gin and Key lime, the smooth timbre and cadence of his eclectic and often humorous anecdotes...
In high school, we were asked to write an essay about someone in our lives who inspires us. I wrote about Mr. Riley. He always treated me like and adult, even when I was in lower school. He respected my intelligence and wanted to hear my opinion. He shared his experience and wisdom to help me navigate the complexities of adolescence. He expected the most of me and was never shy about reprimanding me when I was out of tune, whether in the choir room or in life. He was always happy to give me a ride, or treat me to something to eat, or come to my school concerts. He cared for me in so many ways, but David Riley's greatest gift to me, and so many other boys and young men, was his love and appreciation of fine music - a love which transformed my life and persists in me to this day. Thank you, David, for inspiring me and adding so much richness to my life.