Molar Melodies perform musical tribute ‘Dean Valenza’

Members of the Molar Melodies perform “Dean Valenza” at the 18th Annual Ice Cream Scream Out on July 15 in the Cooley University Life Center. Photo by Brad Driver/UTHealth Houston Creative Services.

The Molar Melodies struck a memorable note during the 18th Annual Ice Cream Scream Out on July 15, surprising Dean John A. Valenza, DDS ’81, with an original musical tribute celebrating his leadership and legacy ahead of his retirement.

Set to Neil Diamond’s classic “Sweet Caroline,” the parody, titled “Dean Valenza,” highlighted the values and vision that have defined his tenure, from fostering the school’s close-knit culture to championing its vision of improving oral and overall health.

The idea for the tribute began weeks before the event, when Janet Fenske, a Molar Melodies member and director of the school’s Library and Learning Commons, suggested performing a musical tribute to recognize Valenza’s retirement. Once the Ice Cream Scream Out was selected as the occasion, the group had one challenge left: choosing a song.

“All we needed was a song,” said Harold Kolodney Jr., DMD, professor in the Department of Restorative Dentistry and Prosthodontics and a member of the Molar Melodies. “The lyrics that AI gave us, however, were not good, and we did not have much time.”

On a quiet Fourth of July spent indoors, inspiration struck.

“When I stared at my breakfast cereal, the words, ‘You will be missed’ rhymed with, ‘what is on your bucket list,’ and it continued from there,” Kolodney said. “By mid-afternoon, I typed up what I thought was a pretty good draft.”

Kolodney shared the lyrics with fellow Molar Melodies member Tai Van, of the DDS Class of 2027, and Michelle Thompson, DDS, who helped refine the song.

The group held multiple rehearsals, arranged with Thompson, with members contributing ideas that transformed the performance beyond the lyrics.

“Our timing, presentation, and movement just kept improving,” Kolodney said. “Each Molar Melody member seemed to come up with some fun and cool ideas.”

Van also projected the lyrics on the video wall, inviting the audience to sing along during the chorus.

As the audience joined the Molar Melodies in singing, “Dean Valenza, you will be so very missed. Please, make the most of what is on your bucket list,” the tribute became a heartfelt sendoff from the school community.

“Hearing audience members sing with us was gratifying,” Kolodney said.

Following the performance, Valenza paused before addressing the crowd.

“I guess I’m supposed to say something,” he said, drawing laughter. “I’m speechless. The song, gosh, that was my favorite Molar Melodies performance.”