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Surprise Tribute Concert Honors Retiring Ramblewood Middle School Band Director John Nista

John Nista, his wife Christa, former students performing, and Ramblewood Middle School alums Jeremiah Chisholm, Vance Lindeman, Bryana Soto and Jonathan
Jacobs. {David Volz}

In an unexpected celebration, the Ramblewood Middle School community surprised retiring band director John Nista with a special concert. Alumni and colleagues came together for a night of music and memories to honor his 43 years of dedication and impact.

Under Nista’s guidance, the Ramblewood Middle School band amassed numerous awards and accolades for 28 years, with many alums continuing their musical journeys in high school and college bands.

Despite these successes, he consistently shied away from personal praise.

Vanessa Lindeman, a member of the committee organizing the retirement event, shared that Nista had expressed to band parents and his colleague Lorrelle Jock, the chorus director, his desire to avoid a retirement banquet or party.

However, they felt compelled to honor his remarkable career.

In response, a group posted an announcement on Facebook inviting alums and colleagues to a special band performance in Nista’s honor.

Approximately 100 people answered the call, including J.P. Taravella High School band members and those who had progressed to college bands or become band directors.

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On the evening of May 24, at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts, these individuals came together for a single, rehearsal and subsequent performance.

Between musical pieces, family members and friends shared heartfelt stories of their positive experiences with Nista.

Former J.P. Taravella band director Neil Jenkins led two songs. Chandler Wilson, an assistant director for the Florida State University Marching Chiefs, composed and directed a piece titled “Journey through the Grassy River,” which was written for Nista.

“We wanted to have a special concert for Nista, but he did not know we were planning this,” said Lindeman. “We worked to organize all the volunteers to put on a big event. He always cared about the kids in the band.”

Nista was deeply moved by the tribute. “I am overwhelmed. I love the kids in my bands,” he said.

Vance Lindeman, a former Ramblewood band member who went on to play clarinet in the symphonic band and saxophone in the jazz band, participated in the concert. “I enjoyed being in Nista’s band classes,” he said. His brother, Deacon, also a Ramblewood band alumnus, now plays trumpet in the Taravella jazz band.

After the concert, Nista, his family, and friends enjoyed a small reception.

In January, Nista learned he would be inducted into the Florida Bandmaster Association Hall of Fame, adding to his accolades, which include conducting the all-state band in 2004 and 2010.

Despite these honors, Nista has always prioritized his students’ success over personal recognition, ensuring every student had the opportunity to join the band.

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Author Profile

David Volz

David Volz has worked as a writer in South Florida for 35 years. He has written for the Sun-Sentinel, Hollywood Gazette, School Transportation News, South Dade News Leaders, Observer among others. He has an MA in Communications from Florida Atlantic University and a BA in Communications from Valparaiso University. Volz teaches Communications at Miami Dade College and Palm Beach State College. He lives in Coral Springs and enjoys running and participating in 5Ks and half-marathons.