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BRONXVILLE, N.Y. – The music director at St. Joseph’s Church in Bronxville, Texas native John Strybos, has spent his life following his passion to share music with children and the church community.
Strybos is the church organist and conducts the adult and children’s choirs while coordinating musical programs for services each week.
A former teacher, Strybos has worked with churches and children since he graduated from Baylor University in 1971.
“My entire career has been devoted to the church and the music,” he said.
Strybos moved from Waco, Texas, to New York two decades ago and began sharing his music at the Reformed Nursery School in Bronxville.
There, he directed the children’s choirs and performed as the chapel musician for services twice a week.
Strybos went on to teach at the Convent of the Sacred Heart, a private elementary school in Manhattan for nearly 15 years.
He remembers one student from the Convent of the Sacred Heart, Stefani Germanotta, also known as Lady Gaga. Long before her fame as a pop singer, she was a “lively” student, Strybos said.
He attended the Manhattan School of Music and moved to Stamford in 1984 but still has an apartment in Bronxville.
"At that time I felt it was time to call Stamford home for good,” he said.
Strybos prides himself as a “people motivator,” and feeds on the energy created by the children when performing.
“No matter how tired I am the kids are energized and keep me alive,” he said. "It makes it all come to life and I love that.”
Comments (1)
John is a treasure.