BIOGRAPHY
 
When Leroy Rybak’s Swinging Orchestra played, the people danced.  And that’s how the story went for over 40 years.

Leroy Rybak, the founder, band leader and drummer, was involved in music all his life.  Growing up in Moravia, TX as a third generation Czech, he learned Czech as his first language from his parents, and remained fluent in Czech his whole life.  He always enjoyed singing and playing his Czech songs.  In his early years, he played trumpet in high school.  Music also ran in his family; his grandfather, Louis Firasek, was a drummer.  Initially influenced by his grandfather, Leroy went on to become a drummer himself, which continued to be his lifelong instrument and the start of his music career.

Living in Lavaca County, there were many church picnics and dances where polka music was being played.  During these early times, he had the opportunity to sit in with the Joe Patek Orchestra (and many other bands), where he became inspired and wanted to continue his music and Czech tradition.  After performing with several bands for a few years, he decided to form his own band, Leroy Rybak’s Swinging Orchestra, where he played for the next 40 years.

While musicians changed through the years, one thing remained the same … Leroy was a drummer at heart and kept the music going.  He always had a great love for music, and enjoyed watching the crowd dance to his band.  His eyes were on the crowd too, adjusting the tempo “just right” to keep them coming back for more! 

Leroy’s sound was legendary for many years with the twin trumpets of Leonard and Paul Darilek, accordion by Norbert Strmiska, guitar by George Simper, bass horn by Harry Macik, and drums by Leroy Rybak.  There were many miles traveled and performances played … from Bill Mraz and SPJST Lodge #88 in Houston to Martinez Hall in San Antonio, Seaton Star in Temple, Moravian Hall in Corpus Christi, Mustang Hall near Hallettsville, Big Joe Polka Show in Carmine, and many trips to the New Braunfels German Village among others.   Oh, and don’t forget all the polka fests in Lavaca County including Hallettsville, Shiner, Moulton!  And when he wasn’t playing, you would usually find him at picnics, festivals, and other shows watching the polka bands and enjoying a pivo or two!  At home, he always had polka music playing on his radio inside, or outside while feeding his cattle.  Even his cows knew the words to A Ja Sam!
 
 
Leroy Rybak’s Swinging Orchestra had many musicians that played in the band through the years including: George Simper, Leonard Darilek, Paul Darilek, Harry Macik, Norbert Strmiska, Chris Rybak, Shirley Trojcak, Alfonse Lichnovsky, Eugene Mucala, Ricky Svetlik, Robert Svetlik, Milton Rabel, Dominic Konvicka, Pat Veit, Elroy Strnadel, Gene Janak, David Hickl, Tommy Lane, Paul Janak Sr., Marvin Kremling, Bernard Tupa, Ed Hrncir, Ed Kopecky among others.

Leroy's wife, Joyce stood by his side since they met and was his biggest supporter. They actually met at one of the dances at the American Legion Hall in Hallettsville.  Joyce also sang in the band, including some Czech songs where they harmonized together.  They shared many great years together and in the recent years they traveled to Europe, visiting many places including the Czech Republic, to research their ancestors. His pride and joy was his only son Chris, who is following in his footsteps in music. Chris is married to his wife Edita who is originally from Slovakia, and they have a 3 year old daughter Kristina Nicole Rybak, who was grandpa's little "žabka" (little froggie). Kristina is already now following the path of music like both her father and grandfather.

Leroy Rybak’s Swinging Orchestra had various recordings through the years, and these two are still available for sale:
1. Leroy Rybak’s Swinging Orchestra – Don’t Mess With Texas Polkas & Waltzes
2. Leroy Rybak’s Swinging Orchestra – Polka & Waltz Classics live from Mustang Hall

Czech Heritage was always an important ingredient in the music his band played … and Leroy really did play happy music for happy people.