Gayle Swymer Olsen's Obituary
Gayle Swymer Olsen passed away on Tuesday, January 19, 2021 due to
complications from stroke and Coronavirus. She was born in Valdosta,
Georgia but spent most of her adult life in New York City where she
devoted her life to the performing arts. Student, actor, singer, director,
teacher, and ultimately conductor, she did it all. She studied at HB (Herbert
Berghof) Studio with Uta Hagen, Walt Witcover and Charles Nelson Reilly.
She subsequently taught at the same school, for a combined 30 years,
while also maintaining her private studio, teaching both voice and musical
theater classes. She later taught private singing lessons at Adelphi
University as adjunct faculty.
Though her performance credits are lengthy, what made her heart sing was
conducting. She founded two choirs, while also performing with the
Euterpean Choral Ensemble (1973-1991). The first, Die Lorelei, a women’s
chorus, was followed by the West Side Singers. They continued for a
combined 25 years. She still found time to serve over 20 years as Director
of Music at the First Presbyterian Church in Delhi, NY, directing both the
choir and handbells and often playing the organ. Always seeking new
performance music, she was an avid member of the American Choral
Directors Association.
Gayle touched countless lives, gifting her students with the love of music,
theatre and community in the “Big City.” She was often credited with Xray
vision, thanks to her uncanny ability to “see with her ears.” She would
listen intently and ask specific questions, slowly guiding students through
minor adjustments with major returns. And she always had a box of tissues
on the piano for those “special, break-through” moments. But she was
more than a teacher. To many she became a mentor, sister, and
sometimes mother figure, but most of all, a friend. She bristled with
intelligence and a wicked sense of humor that endured to the end. Loved
by so many and deeply missed by all she touched, the world has lost a
shining star.
What’s your fondest memory of Gayle?
What’s a lesson you learned from Gayle?
Share a story where Gayle's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Gayle you’ll never forget.
How did Gayle make you smile?