John C. Svoboda

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. ...

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...

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...

So sorry to hear of him passing.Karl Langer