  |
|
|
| Former
Chordette harmonized in the classroom Brentwood retiree first achieved fame singing 'Mr. Sandman' 
September 25, 2002 At right: Lynn Evans Mand in 2001. Below: Publicity photo of the Chordettes, from top, Carol Bushman, Lynn Evans (Mand), Nancy Overton and Ginny (Lockhardt) Janis. Mr. Sandman, bring me a dream - from Mr. Sandman, by the Chordettes A half-century ago, as she sang the sweet melody that goes with the words, "Mr. Sandman, bring me a dream," one of the Chordettes did not realize her dreams would move from the recording studio to the classroom. The two careers dovetailed. "Music reaches the soul," said Lynn Evans Mand. "It's important in any education because it builds intelligence." Mand was a member of the Chordettes, the 1950s quartet that sang hits such as "Mr. Sandman" and "Lollipop." She also taught for 25 years on Long Island, using her musical ability in the classroom to capitalize on students' talents.
Soon after, Mand discovered an opening to teach at a BOCES school in Westbury. The school paid her to go to school for a master's degree, and then Mand took a job as a special education teacher in Brentwood. "Lynn stayed the course for 25 years," noted Chris Veech in a profile of Mand in the newsletter of the Retirees of Brentwood Schools, whose president is Phyllis Goodwin. The transition was tricky, Mand said. In the classroom, she de-emphasized her Chordettes career. "I insisted that they know me as a teacher. I was lovingly firm," Mand said. Mand used singing skill to help her students read. She would write lyrics on the blackboard, have students point to the words as she sang - over and over until they learned the words. Mand enjoyed unlocking the talents of her students. For instance, one student had no legs from the knees down and no facial muscles. But Mand taught him the song "These are a few of my favorite things" from the musical The Sound of Music to sing at a school assembly. "Everyone broke into applause, it was so melodic," Mand said. She retired from teaching in 1990. The Chordettes reunited and toured the country from 1990 to 1995 with Eddie Arnold. After that, Mand moved to Elyria, Ohio, to be closer to her family. She still sings in the church choir. "As a teacher, I wanted to make a difference," Mand said. "And I think I did make a difference." - Bob Fiato |
|
|
| |
Mand
joined the Chordettes in 1952, after graduating from college. But a
decade later, the Beatles musical invasion captured America, and interest
faded in the Chordettes sound. The group disbanded in 1964.