Inspired by the view of the St. Lawrence river at Parc Kiskotuk, and the view from the peak of Mont Olivine, this song takes on some lively folk-like qualities in its melodies and chords.

High above the river
You’ll meet folks from far and wide
High above the river
It’s where I go for peace and quiet

Way up high
From down low
Forging streams and mountains so

Up ahead
Trail goes on
Who can tell what lies beyond?

High upon the mountain
There are sights you’ve never seen
High upon the mountain
Its blissful views are like a dream

Way up high
From down low
Forging streams and mountains so

Up ahead
Trail goes on
Who can tell what lies beyond?

The landscape calls to me
I reply
A chorus of horns belts out a fanfare on high
I see the town
Sun smiling down
I thank my lucky star that we made it this far

Way up high
From down low
Forging streams and mountains so

Up ahead
Trail goes on
Who can tell what lies beyond?
Only we know what’s beyond!

High Above the River

Ryan Duffy's (he/him/his) unique music has been described as dramatic, very expressive, and even polystylistic. With a strong emphasis on melody, Ryan aims to create music that is easily accessible and enjoyable by all while still retaining compositional merit. A wide variety of musical influences are drawn upon in Ryan's works, ranging from ragtime to Richard Strauss. Ryan enjoys writing music with a narrative in programmatic pieces such as his 1984 trio. He is currently the Music Research and Composition Representative on student council for the second consecutive year. Ryan is currently a BMus candidate in Music Composition at Western University and has won awards for various works through the faculty's composition competition.