Sydonia Brooks Papers

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  • Collection ID ARCHIVES 199506
  • Creator Names Brooks, Sydonia Mae, 1921-2008.
  • Title Papers, 1915-2000.
  • Physical description 3 linear feet.
  • Collection arrangement Materials are arranged into three series, National Organization of Negro Musicians (NANM) Organization Materials, R. Nathaniel Dett Club of Music and Allied Arts Organization Materials and Photographs.
  • Access and usage restrictions Available for research in the Vivian G. Harsh Research Collection of Afro-American History and Literature, Carter G. Woodson Regional Library, Chicago Public Library.
  • Collection summary A leader in the Chicago Music Association and the National Association of Negro Musicians, Sydonia Brooks donated a collection of newsletters, proceedings and photographs.
  • Biographical or Historical Note Dr. Sydonia Mae Brooks (1921-2008) was a renowned organist and pianist who devoted her life to the promotion of African American music and musicians. Born in Chicago on October 9, 1921, she attended Central College in Chicago and earned a B.A. in Music. Ms. Brooks was hired by the Chicago Public Schools, teaching music for many years at Coleman Elementary School, and later serving as principal at Kipling Elementary School. She continued her studies by earning a Masters in Education and Music from DePaul University, and a doctorate in Extended Music Education from Roosevelt University. In addition to her teaching, she served as organist and accompanist for Progressive Community Church for 25 years, and later for Grant Memorial A.M.E. Church. At Progressive, she also directed the Youth Choir. In her last decades she was often seen at St. Mark United Methodist Church, where her talented students performed at music events. She was famed for her coordination of multi-institution concerts and gospel programs which featured nationally-known singers. Brooks also played organ for concerts by the Umbrian Glee Club and the U.S. Postal Service Choir. Above all, she was a tireless promoter of excellence by African American musicians. By the early 1950s she was active in the National Association of Negro Musicians (NANM), as well as in two organizations that were Chicago local affiliates of NANM: the Chicago Music Association and the R. Nathaniel Dett Club of Music and Allied Arts. In NANM she made an impact in several leading roles, serving as Youth Director from 1969 to 1989, as NANM's Director of Branches from 1992 to 1998, and as editor of the Branches Newsletter. She also was a member of the board of both the Chicago Music Association and the R. Nathaniel Dett Club.
  • Finding Aids Note Finding aid available in the Harsh Research Collection, Carter G. Woodson Regional Library, Chicago Public Library and on the library's web site.
  • Acquisition information Donated by Sydonia M. Brooks, 2006.
  • Names
    • Brooks, Sydonia Mae, 1921-2008 Archives.
    • National Association of Negro Musicians (U.S.) Archives.
  • Subjects African American musicians Illinois Chicago.
  • Finding aid URL http://www.chipublib.org/fa-sydonia-brooks-collectionnational-association-of-negro-musicians-papers/