Jerry Swanson was the choral music director at Forest View High School from 1972 until it closed in 1986 and then at Elk Grove High School until his retirement in 2002. His wife Kay, was the piano accompanist. Jerry instilled a love of music in his students that would prove to last a lifetime.

Some of Jerry's former students asked him if he would ever consider directing a choir made up of his former students. To the their delight, Mr. Swanson said yes. The former students organized a concert that was held on November 25, 2012 in Arlington Heights at the former Forest View High School. The alumni concert titled, "Notes of Thanks" had over 150 former students of Mr. Swanson that came from near and as far as both coasts to sing once more under their beloved teacher. The alumni choir included students from all 30 years of Mr. Swanson's high school choir teaching career.