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Lyn Gerald McLain
An absolutely extroardinary teacher and person!
April 17, 1928 to October 25, 2023
Remembering Mac
Calvin Coolidge High School Class of '65
In Gratitude and Remembrance of Lyn "Mac" McLain
The Class of '65 fondly remembers and honors Lyn McLain as an extraordinary teacher and person, whose impact on the Calvin Coolidge High School community will never be forgotten. His dedication, wisdom, and kindness have left an indelible mark on ours and countless other's lives.
Mac's passion for nurturing young minds and fostering an environment of growth and excellence was evident in all he did. Whether as an educator, mentor, or friend, he poured his heart into his work, inspiring students and colleagues alike to reach for their highest potential.
We are deeply grateful for the lessons he taught us - not just in the classroom but in life. His legacy lives on in the values he instilled: perseverance, integrity, and a commitment to uplifting others.
As we reflect on his memory, may we carry forward his spirit of generosity and dedication in all we do. Thank you Mac, for being a guiding light and for leaving Calvin Coolidge High School better than you found it.
With heartfelt gratitude,
The CCHS Class of '65
D. C. Youth Orchestra Program
It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that our founder, Lyn McLain, passed away peacefully in his home this week. Remembered as “the father of the American youth orchestra,” Lyn joined the DC public school system in 1956 as a music teacher at Coolidge High School and, only four years later, launched what became known as DCYOP with an initial orchestra of 60 students and three volunteer teachers. He inspired tens of thousands of young people over the next five decades, encouraging students to grow and learn in community through music. He took DCYOP on over a dozen international tours, introducing DC-area youth to new cultures, people, and music, and giving them the opportunity to serve as ambassadors for the region and the country.
As we all grieve this immeasurable loss, we wanted to share this video of Lyn in conversation with our former Executive Director, Liz Schurgin, from 2020. It includes a wonderful short documentary, “Growing Up with Music,” that tells the story of DCYOP during the early decades of the program’s existence and gives those of us not lucky enough to be there a brief glimpse into Lyn’s vision and the impact of what he created.
To our DCYOP alumni, we would also like to give you a space to share your recollections and memories while also honoring Lyn’s legacy. The DCYOP Storybook is a project that he conceived of during the pandemic to create a visual and written history of the program as seen through the experiences and memories of its students. If you wish to participate, please complete this form or contact Sandy Choi at [email protected] for more information.
Emily Langer of the Washington Post penned this lovely obituary for Lyn that does a wonderful job of encapsulating the incredible breadth and depth of Lyn’s work.
We will be sharing more information in the days, weeks, and months to come as we continue to remember Lyn McLain with immense gratitude for the program he built and the incredible legacy he leaves behind. Our deepest condolences go out to his wife, Sally, and their family. (updated 11/11/2023)
Obituary
Lyn McLain was born on April 17, 1928 in Binghamton NY and died on October 25, 2023 at his home in Washington DC. He spent formative years as a young boy living on his grandparents’ farm outside of Moscow PA. He graduated from Vestal High School in New York and then went on to Ithaca College in New York, where he received his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in music, studying clarinet, music theory and composition. After college, Lyn moved to Greenwich Village and performed gigs in clubs with jazz groups, traveling all over the country. After a few years, he decided he wanted to do something else with his life. He moved to Washington DC to study composition at the Catholic University of America. Shortly thereafter, he was hired by the DC Public Schools (DCPS) as a music teacher at Coolidge High School. Four years later, he, along with Marian Banner and Loran Stephenson, Sr., founded the DC Youth Orchestra Program (DCYOP). This became his life’s work. The DCYOP shared this remembrance: “Remembered as “the father of the American youth orchestra,” Lyn joined the DC public school system in 1956 as a music teacher at Coolidge High School and, only four years later, launched what became known as DCYOP with an initial orchestra of 60 students and three volunteer teachers. He inspired tens of thousands of young people over the next five decades, encouraging students to grow and learn in community through music. He took DCYOP on over a dozen international tours, introducing DC-area youth to new cultures, people, and music, and giving them the opportunity to serve as ambassadors for the region and the country.” Lyn said, “This is a unique program which offers benefits which can only be realized to the fullest when students mature and enter the adult world. Many times, this has been said to me by program graduates.” Lyn retired from DCPS in 1993, but remained on with DCYOP until 2006. In retirement, music remained an important part of Lyn’s life through attending concerts, studying scores, listening to recordings and, while reading the newspaper in his dining room, enjoying the sounds of rehearsals emanating from his living room. He enjoyed having more time for cooking, reading, carpentry and, especially, gardening. Most of all, he loved spending time with friends and family. He is survived by his wife, Sally, his children, Kevin B. McLain of Wilmington NC, Patrick R. McLain of Washington DC, Kathleen S. McLain of El Cerrito CA, Sean G. McLain of Washington DC, his sister Donna Graham of Endwell NY, and his brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.
Calvin Coolidge Senior High School
Washington, DC
"Class of 1965"
