My True North Story

By

M. Dora Howe-Taylor

My true north story begins in 1996, after meeting Sylvia Olden Lee 1917 – 2004 who was the first African American staff member of the Metropolitan Opera. For the next four years, I would be drawn into the world of classical music that she loved so dearly. Because of her passion for music and her desire to realize a dream, I would be inspired to help her accomplish her objective. Working with Sylvia Lee uplifted me and touch my soul in ways I still long to find words to describe.

For the next year, I traveled with Mrs. Lee meeting friends like: Maya Angelou to discuss how best to stage a concert and document her life. In 1997, funds were raised to create a video documentary on Mrs. Lee and her project tilted: MOOR Tenors. If this story is selected the funds awarded will be given to either: Howard University or Curtis Institute of Music to create a scholarship in her name.

Mrs. Lee’s MOOR Tenor Project is my True North moment because her mission gave me purpose. I was able to see myself through her eyes and was uplifted by her belief that I could help her manifest the dream. In her eighties Mrs. Lee had more energy and passion for life than people forty or sixty years her junior. Simply, she was awe inspiring! In 2000 the Salt Lake City, Madeleine Festival presented the début performance of: Sylvia Olden Lee’s MOOR Tenor’s.

I want to continue what Sylvia Lee began and stage another concert featuring her former student’s donating all funds to a scholarship in her name. Howard University and Curtis Institute of Music are schools where she taught and could benefit from the $25,000.00 award.

M. Dora Howe-Taylor is Producer and Director of Tecumseh Productions. Dora hired Jamee while she was at Alta Vision MEdia Production COmpany to produce this compelling story back in 1997. Dora currently resides in Utah with her husband James Taylor.