Sylvia Olden Lee gives a master class

The late Sylvia Olden Lee gives a master class on Spirituals in Los Angles at the National Association for Negro Musicians Convention in the summer of 2003.

A excerpt from the documentary THIS LITTLE LIGHT: The Sylvia Olden Lee Story (2004).

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• NANM
• Convention
• Sylvia
• Olden
• Lee
• Spirituals
• Ride
• on
• King
• Jesus

[ShangoJamal]

If there was one thing she could not, would not tolerate, it is delivering a song (especial a Spiritual) without true passion and conviction. She taught me to get over myself and be totally given to the music with fear of how silly I might look to others. What I discovered is that the audience is ALWAYS with you when you don't waste their eyesight or earshot. I thank God for my time with Dame Olden-Lee.

[purplesop]

I worked with Sylvia off and on in various capacities, starting when I was in high school and continuing well into my professional life. In her final years before illness really took a hold of her, I coached with her and we did a several school shows together. Though she was certainly a taskmaster, I am forever grateful to Sylvia for all those red marks she put in my scores, and for not letting me get away with mediocrity! Her words still ring in my ear when I interpret any song. THANK YOU!

[singasong1530]

my teacher back in MS coached with her and said ms. lee did NOT play. lol. you shoulda seen the look on my face when you turned around. i was like. wait. WHAT?

[operahusband]

Wow, I had had forgotten about this!! At a certain point, I kind of felt like I was in trouble...lol. It was a great experience

[singasong1530]

sing, best friend-in-law!

[basbaryton]

Miss Sylvia was my fathers ex-wife, and also a big part of my life. I loved her and thought she did wonders for the musical life... RIP Miss Sylvia.

[MrStyle23]

"jacks of jacks" I love it! God Bless Her

[FieldingQuestions]

My mother attended Oberlin with Sylvia Olden Lee, and they remained lifelong friends. When Sylvia called me in 2001 or so to inquire after my mom, I knew I was talking to a remarkable personage! I can't imagine that anyone who ever spoke with Sylvia ever forgot the experience. I am so grateful to "see" this wonderful human being work with this class. Thank you.

[pgainer7]

I remember in 1998 I was a freshman at North Carolina A&T State University and our University Choir Teacher Mr. Eric Poole was an alum of Howard and taught by her and she was supposed to only work with the Senoir's but my voice teacher made me sing for her. She got finished with the last Senior and looked at us and said in that bold little voice "Who wants to get sliced next?" I was terrified when my teacher called my name but it was such an awesome experience. I thank God for the opportunity

[sharjac5]

Mrs. Lee was my coach and there was no one created like her. She was the best in what she did. A piece of her life will live on in me and my students. Thank you Dr. Lee