John Svoboda Obituary

I played violin from 72-76 with the Youth Symphony of DuPage, which was directed at that time by Mr. Svoboda. It was in this orchestra and Mr. Svoboda's strong direction that the orchestra regularly learned new and correspondingly difficult musical pieces. At first, I was extremely intimidated by this environment. However, pieces that seemed impossible to play "came together" by the time of the concerts. I learned from him that , with dedicated practice, the difficult could be overcome. It is hard to get to know the tenor of a man from a rehearsal for few hours a week, but what seemed intimidating at first softened after awhile. It was always good to see him smile.

I have played the violin in every decade of my life, at weddings, at funerals, at remembrances of friends who have passed on. The high point of my ability came during those refining moments at Youth Symphony in front of John Svoboda.

I know this note comes years after his passing, but know that there are many "out there" that look back with admiration and fondness of their time with him at the Youth Symphony of DuPage. As I get to retirement age, and look back to all whom I have admired in life, but never gave thanks, he is one of them.

Mark Irving- GWHS and WCHS, Class of 1977

Mr. Svoboda was my violin teacher for many years. He was always good to me and helped me pick out the beautiful violin I still own. His impact on my musical life cannot be measured. I will greatly miss him.

Sandra Moore

I never met John, yet I did meet his son Robert on a Youth trip to Dubuqe, Iowa. He told amazing tales of how he and his father took all of Chicago, my home town in music fever, and I cand thank them both enough for it. Thank you is all I have to say.

Reed Brooks

So very sorry. He was conductor when I was in the Youth Symphony of DuPage in the late 60's. I was soloist on one of the concerts-he was so reassuring! A wonderful musician. So sorry he is gone.

He always put on a great show. What a hard worker! Candy Hendrix, DGHS class of 1966

I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Svoboda's passing. I had the privilege of being taught by him in high school orchestra. He was a wonderful teacher and mentor. He helped to nurture a love for music that has been central to my life--even though my career path turned turned to other pursuits. He was a strong presence in many ways, and he was clear about his high expectations. At the same time, he was kind and nurturing to students--always with a mind to developing our character as well as our technique. I am deeply grateful to have known him and learned from him. I hope that you will be comforted by this.

Mr. Svoboda's orchestra was an oasis amidst the frenzied cacophony of high school. I joined orchestra as a refugee from marching band in 1962, in my junior year at Downers Grove High. Mr. S, as he was fondly known, brought civility and music into our lives and inspired us through his exceptional standards of excellence. He was the genuine article, the real thing, a true maestro. He was awesome yet approachable. He encouraged and appreciated each student as an individual, and engendered mutual respect. We were in orchestra because we wanted to be, for the love of music, to learn from Mr. S, to be part of a unique fellowship. He made orchestra fun, delightful, challenging, enriching, transcendent. For many of us, it was home base and the nexus of our social lives.
I am personally indebted to the kindness of Mr. Svoboda. One day he handed me a piece of paper with the phone number of Walter Woolwage, a clarinetist with the Chicago Symphony and gifted teacher. I was overwhelmed, but explained that my parents would never agree to high-class lessons for an already distracting hobby. Mr. S said simply, Just call him. Promise that you will call, and tell me what he says. Thanks to Mr. S's initiative and caring, a new world opened for me. I took the train to Chicago on Fridays, eager to learn how to make the clarinet express my passion for music. Mr. S had me perform a concerto with the orchestra, which provided essential insight into how much work and fear are involved. I opted to become a neuroscientist instead of a starving musician, but continued to embrace every musical opportunity, before the advent of research, teaching, husband, and three children. The clarinet and I are finally back in service now. Thank you, John Svoboda. Surely you will be conducting music up in heaven, and if I get there, I hope your orchestra can use an inspired clarinetist.

So sorry to hear of him passing.Karl Langer

Mr. Svoboda was my orchestra teacher and private violin teacher for 9 years from 1955 to 1964. How lucky I am to have had such an incredible role model in my life. I wanted to be just like Mr. S, skillful, kind, demanding, and believing in the unlimited potential of all of us all. I wouldn't be who I am without his influence.
-Norma Wilson

Mr. Svoboda was an important part of my musical education shortly after he started at DGHS. I still fall back on some of his guidance and teaching style after all this time. I learned success, failure and how to combat stage fright. Rest well good teacher and friend. Judy Dian Larsen

Mr Svoboda was my first experience with string inteuments and i still plau to this day woith a volunteer orchestera.
Thank you John for your oegacy.

He gave me my love of music. He was my music teacher from second grade at Hilcrest school through my senior year in high school. He was a kind and loving man with a wonderful sense of humor. I was always asking him to play " Hot Canary" on his violin. He had such large hands and he could make his hands fly over those strings with speed and accuracy. He's one of those teachers who hold a place in your heart forever. Rest in peace...blessings to your family. Your loss will be felt deeply. The schools in Downers Grove, IL will always remember you fondly.

Ruth Bristol Staffeldt

I was truly blessed to have had Mr. Svoboda in my life. He was one of the most inspirational, loving, and encouraging people I have ever known. He made a significant difference in my life and instilled in me a love of music and my violin. I will never be able to adequately express the depth of gratitude and respect I have always had for him. May God bless you...his family...as you grieve such a significant loss.

I spent many years playing under him in orchestras, and many more working beside him as a teacher. I will always remember his love of music, but, more importantly, his devotion to students. He always spent his energy in a positive manner that provided an example to which the rest of us could strive. I will always remember all the good times we shared.

He was one of my mentors in H.S. I graduated in 1966 and was a cellist in his orchestra. I'd go to his house to play duets with him......and then lift weights. Geez, during rehearsals he'd just where a shortsleeved shirt and no sports coat and those "guns" of his.......A great man!