Usdan

Usdan Center (officially the Suzanne and Nathaniel Usdan Center for the Creative and Performing Arts) is a Wheatley Heights, Long Island-based summer day camp, situated on 200 beautiful acres in the middle of the woods. [cite web|url=http://www.usdan.com/what.htm|title=What is Usdan?|accessdate=2008-07-28] It opened in 1968 to 1,000 students, and now 1,700 "Usdanites" ages 6-18, come back annually. [cite web|url=http://usdan.com/history.htm|title=The History of Usdan|accessdate=2008-07-28] The camp was started by artists and Jewish community leaders. The camp's official name is the Suzanne and Nathaniel Usdan Center for the Creative and Performing Arts and its' Executive Director is Dale Lewis. [cite web|url=http://usdan.com/new.htm|title=Newsletter|accessdate=2008-07-28] It is named for the daughter and husband of Samuel Lemberg, a philanthropist.

Usdan is an intensive camp which focuses on creative and performing arts in particular. Famous alumni include singer Mariah Carey, actress Natalie Portman, jazz singer Jane Monheit, dancer Dara Adler, and musician Adam Abeshouse. [cite web|url=http://www.usdan.com/alumni.htm|title=Meet our Alumni|accessdate=2008-07-28]

The camp is divided into four divisions based on grade level: Discovery - Grade K and 1; Partners in the Arts - Grades 2 and 3; Junior - Grade 4 through 6; Senior - Grade 7 through 12. Students have a choice of classes from the following disciplines: art, chess, dance, language arts, music, or theater. They must then choose a "major" (two fifty-minute periods) and a "minor" (one period) activity. The schedule is based around these two activities along with swimming at the pools, assembly at the 1,000 seat McKinley Amphitheater, and lunch at picnic tables at his/her major department for the entire four or seven week camp. [cite web|url=http://usdan.com/programs.htm|title=Programs|accessdate=2008-07-28]

Usdan celebrated it's 40th season in 2007. [cite web|url=http://usdan.com/programs.htm|title=The History of Usdan|accessdate=2008-07-28]

Dale Lewis, the Center's director, celebrated his 25th year as director in 2008.

Art

Art majors choose one discipline to explore in depth. Students work in studios designed for their medium and learn from working artists who are specialists in their fields. Studios feature large skylights as well as indoor and outdoor courtyards to take advantage of natural light and the inspiration of nature.

Minors
*"Life Drawing" (Grades 9 to 12, for Art Majors only): An exploration of the human form for advanced artists. Students will learn the principles of life drawing with the aid of draped models.
*"Nature, Ecology, and Design" (Grades 2 to 6): Usdan's magnificent forest provides the setting to study Long Island's natural eco systems. Hands-on projects, include garden and forest exploration, the art of nature, as studied in science and craft.
*"Painting" (Grades 2 to 12): Creative drawing and painting using acrylics, pastels and related media.

Majors
*"Animation" (Grades 7 to 12): Fundamentals of 2-D Animation, in which students are introduced to both hand-drawn and computer generated imagery.
*"Art Adventure" (Grades 2 to 4): An exploratory art experience in which students are introduced to a variety of media, including drawing, painting, hand-building ceramics, and sculpture.
*"Cartooning" (Grades 5 to 12): An introduction to classic cartooning techniques and characters. Course material drawn from flip-book, outline, black line and basic color methods. Students improve their character development through techniques of expression, movement and personality.
*"Ceramics" (Grades 2 to 12): Experimentation with hand forming, turning on the potter's wheel, ceramic design and sculpture, and glaze technology.
*"Film as Video Art" (Grades 7 to 12, no prerequisite): The study of classic films, and the application of their themes to student videos. Video projects are inspired by classic techniques of plot development, dramatic and comedic scripting, documentary art and news production. Technique is acquired in the digital video studios of Usdan's Block Television and Video Arts Center.
*"Heckscher/Usdan Student Art Institute" (Grades 9 to 11 by portfolio review and interview): A year-round program of advanced studio art, museum study, and career preparation for Long Island's most talented visual art students. Includes a summer of study at Usdan, and twice monthly fall and winter classes at the Heckscher Museum of Art.
*"Jewelry and Fine Metalsmithing" (Grades 4 to 12): Design and creation of jewelry using many kinds of metals and stones.
*"Media Arts" (Grades 4 to 12): An introduction to computer-aided design, layout, photography, and introductory animation, using Photoshop, Illustrator, and Flash.
*"Nature, Ecology, and Design" (Grades 2 to 6): Usdan's magnificent forest provides the setting to study Long Island's natural eco systems. Hands-on projects, include garden and forest exploration, the art of nature, as studied in science and craft.
*"Painting" (Grades 2 to 12): Creative drawing and painting using acrylics, pastels and related media.
*"Photography" (Grades 4 to 12): Photographic composition, digital imaging, printing, and presentation on Macintosh computers. Students supply their own digital camera.
*"Sculpture" (Grades 2 to 12): Exploration of three dimensional forms, abstract and representational, in wood, stone, clay, plaster, wire and metal.
*"Video Arts" (Grades 5 and 6): Techniques of video photography, production and post-production. Concept of video documentary and art. Use of Usdan's unique sound and air-conditioned Television Center. This complex contains studios and control rooms, and editing suites with state-of-the-art equipment. [cite web|url=http://usdan.com/art.htm |title=Art Program|accessdate=2008-07-28]

Chess

There is a certain kind of child, cerebral, free-wheeling, who is inclined to choose chess as a major. At the same time, the demand for chess as a minor attests to its popularity with all types of kids. With class time split between instruction and games, students learn chess notation and develop strategies to improve their skills.

Minor and Major
* "Chess" (Grades 3 to 12): Usdan's program is designed to meet the individual needs of each student and is offered in cooperation with The National Scholastic Chess Foundation. Multiple classes offer instruction to beginner through advanced players. Players new to chess learn its rules, notation and the opening, middle and end games. Technique is acquired in organized and free play with other students and faculty. Advanced players develop a repertory of game strategies. Celebrated chess masters visit Usdan as guest teachers. [cite web|url=http://usdan.com/chess.htm|title=Chess Program|accessdate=2008-07-28]

Dance

Dancers study technique, classic repertory and original choreography with New York City's nationally renowned dancers and choreographers. Instruction is rigorous but caring, and studios are spacious, with soft floors and generous skylights that give them an open-air effect.

Minors
*"Ballet" (Grades 2 to 12): Beginning and intermediate - advanced levels.
*"Jazz Dance" (Grades 7 to 12): Contemporary dance forms drawn from Broadway and classic jazz traditions.
*"Modern Dance" (Grades 2 to 12): Beginning and intermediate-advanced levels.
*"Tap Dance" (Grades 2 to 12): Beginning and intermediate-advanced levels.

Majors
*"Ballet" (Grades 2 to 12, no audition required): The study of classical technique including barre and center exercises, across the floor combinations and performance of original choreography or classic repertory.
*"Dance Adventure" (Grades 2 to 4): An exploratory dance experience in which students are introduced to a variety of forms, including jazz, modern, ballet, and popular/contemporary dance
*"Jazz and Tap" (Grades 4 to 12; by audition): Int./Adv. level class. Explore contemporary dance forms from classic jazz and tap traditions. Students must have prior experience.
*"Usdan Ballet Intensive" (Grades 7 to 12 by audition): A select program for advanced ballet dancers. Full day of dance at Usdan. Call for details. [cite web|url=http://usdan.com/dance.htm|title=Dance Program|accessdate=2008-07-28]

Language Arts

Small groups of creative writing students engage the forms of poetry, short fiction and playwriting in covered, open-air studios. The program culminates in the publication of Usdan's literary magazine, a multidisciplinary publication which includes student-produced poetry and writing.

Minors
*"Creative Writing" (Grades 3 to 12): Instruction and practice in the writing of stories and poems.
*"SAT Preparation and College Essay" (Grades 10 to 11): 30 hours of preparation for the SAT and for the essays required for college-bound students, including an orientation to the college application process and two evening workshops for parents. Course provided by Insight Tutors LLC. (Additional fee applies.)

Major
*"Creative Writing" (Grades 4 to 12): The writing of stories, plays and poems. Participation in the production of Usdan Center's literary magazine, Painting with Words. [cite web|url=http://usdan.com/writing.htm|title=Writing Program|accessdate=2008-07-28]

Music

Minors
*"Band, Orchestra" (Grades 6 to 9)+
*"Chamber Music" (Grades 7 to 12)+
*"Folk Guitar" (Grades 4 to 12)
*"Jazz Ensemble" (Grades 7 to 12)+
*"Junior Chorus" (Grades 2 to 6)
*"Senior Chorus" (Grades 7 to 12)
*"Vocal Jazz" (Grades 7 to 12)+For qualified students.

Majors
*"Classical Guitar" (Grades 4 to 12): 2 hours daily of classical instruction. Students must have at least one year of prior instruction.
*"Classical Piano" (Grades 3 to 12, by audition): A unique program of group instruction. Students are placed by ability and introduced to the joy of ensemble playing, as well as technique and repertoire study. Studios are equipped with new Yamaha professional pianos.
*"Concert Band" (Grades 3 to 12): 4 Bands offer performance opportunities for students of varying ages and abilities. Concerts have featured world-premier compositions and prominent soloists. 1 hour of Band and 1 hour in a sectional lesson daily.
*"Intermediate Jazz Ensemble" (Grades 7 to 8; by audition): Three hours daily include 2 periods of jazz ensemble and one period of concert band. For advanced jazz players.
*"Junior Chorus" (Grades 2 to 6): A popular major for young singers, the Junior Chorus presents a choral concert in July and a Broadway show in August.
*"Junior Jazz Ensemble" (Grades 5 to 6; by audition): Three hours daily include classes in jazz ensemble, concert band and a sectional lesson.
*"Orchestra" (Grades 3 to 12): Orchestras for students of varying ages and abilities. Usdan Orchestras perform major symphonic works and collaborate with prominent soloists as well as the Center's own dance companies. 1 hour of Orchestra and 1 hour in a section lesson daily.
*"Senior Chorus" (Grades 7 to 12): Two hours daily devoted to major choral works with opportunities for small ensemble singing.
*"Senior Jazz Ensemble" (Grades 9 to 12; by audition): Three hours daily include classes in improvisation, jazz ensemble and concert band. For advanced players. [cite web|url=http://usdan.com/music.htm|title=Music Program|accessdate=2008-07-28]

Theater

The Lemberg Drama Center houses an indoor air-conditioned theater, an outdoor amphitheater, 6 rehearsal studios, costume and set shops and dressing rooms. This extraordinary complex is the site of classes for students (grades 5 to 12) who participate in a program designed to increase acting skills, as well as offer performances in the Center's theaters. Recent productions included Camelot, Anything Goes, Once Upon a Mattress, Pippin and the Dining Room.

Minor
*"Actor's Skills" (Grades 7 to 12): This non-performance elective provides theater majors with a broad range of fundamental approaches to the challenges faced by young actors.

Majors
*"Drama" (Grades 7 to 12): Classes with emphasis on acting, speech, movement and comedy.
*"Intermediate Musical Theater" (Grades 5 to 6): Classes with emphasis on acting, movement, speech, voice and dance.
*"Junior Chorus" (Grades 2 to 6): Choral singing and concerts with a Broadway musical at the end of the season.
*"Musical Theater" (Grades 7 to 12): Classes with emphasis on acting, speech, movement, voice and dance.
*"Theater Adventure" (Grades 2 to 4): An exploratory theater experience in which students are introduced to basic acting skills, and to the traditions of the stage. [cite web|url=http://usdan.com/theater.htm|title=Theater Program|accessdate=2008-07-28]

External links

* [http://www.usdan.com Usdan official website]
* [http://community.livejournal.com/usdan Usdanites' Community Journal]
* [http://http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F20E13F73A5E16738DDDA80A94D0405B878BF1D3&scp=1&sq=usdan%20center&st=cse "New York Times" Article from 1977]
* [http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/05/nyregion/nyregionspecial2/05Rusdan.html?scp=6&sq=usdan%20center&st=cse "New York Times" Article "Promoting the Arts (Minus the Crafts)" from 2007]

References