Sunday, May 30, 2021
"Dr. Nyberg" helped to launch me on a lifelong love of music as my teacher at Brimhall Elementary. I have strong memories of joining my classmates (as young as first grade?) singing in harmony to his solfege hand gestures, and of the amazing spring performances - I remember one about railroads, another about immigration - that integrated classwork, costumes, literature, and of course music.
During my senior year in high school - one filled with music - I was selected as a Presidential Scholar from Minnesota. As part of this honor, President Scholars were allowed to identify the teacher who had been most important to them. These teachers were themselves designated "Distinguished Teachers." As I recall, I was the only Presidential Scholar who identified his elementary school music teacher as the most influential teacher in his life. In June 1990, John traveled with my family and me to Washington, for honors for both of us. What fun to travel with him, especially in that circumstance.
I'm really saddened to have had little contact with John in quite some time, except for a short phone conversation a few years ago. I'm glad to have learned more about his rich life through this obituary and to know about the many, many people who loved him. I'm so grateful to him and send prayers and peace to his family.
Dave Pinto
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