Inspiring U | Apr 24, 2025
What's New With U? April 2025
Dear Friends,
The birds and dandelions arrived loudly on campus this week, readying the grounds for all music, laughter, and friendship that is soon to come. We hope you are also enjoying the sounds and sights of spring.
As this season often brings, there are many changes afoot at Usdan. For one, we are thrilled to announce the shared appointment of our new Music Department Co-Chairs Eric Huckins and Nicole Davidson! Both Usdan alums and Long Island natives, Eric and Nicole will bring their extensive experience and kind-hearted enthusiasm to shape the Music Department beginning this summer.
In other news, this Sunday, April 27 marks the launch of the Creative Writing Department's first anthology publication with a poetry reading, and there is less than a week to submit to our Reel Love Challenge for a chance to win a full 4-week scholarship! Plus, our Music Merit Scholarship closes on May 1!
Enjoy, and as always, let us know what's new with U by emailing us media@usdan.org!
In Memory of Eileen Powers Benedict
We are deeply saddened to share the recent passing of Eileen Powers Benedict, Usdan’s cherished longtime chorus teacher.
Eileen was a joyful, steady presence at Usdan. Through her music, warmth, and dedication to young artists, she helped generations of students find their voice — on and off the stage. We are grateful to Eileen for the impact she has made on young artists. Her memory will live on at Usdan.
If your child was a student of Eileen's and would like to share how Eileen inspired them, please write to us at enrollment@usdan.org and we will share their words with Eileen's family.
New Faculty Spotlight: Eric & Nicole
Music Chairs Eric Huckins and Nicole Davidson Enthusiastically Re-Enter the Usdan Ecosystem
(L – R) Usdan's newly appointed Music Department Co-Chairs Eric Huckins & Nicole Davidson.
Alums Eric Huckins and Nicole Davidson excitedly return to Usdan as Co-Chairs of the Music Department this summer. Huckins and Davidson are Long Island natives with impressive careers as both professional musicians and music educators.
One of Usdan’s biggest and most prestigious departments, the Music Department is crucial to the identity of the 57-year-old institution. As co-chairs of the department, Huckins and Davidson will oversee an impressive group of musicians and music educations, as well as shape the overall curriculum of the program.
“The chairs not only determine the artistic and educational direction for their departments, but they also determine all administrative and production decisions,” Executive Director Lauren Brandt Schloss explained. “Eric and Nicole’s skills complement one another so beautifully, and I am confident that under their joint leadership Usdan’s Music Department will thrive.”
Eric and Nicole took time to speak with us about their time at Usdan as students, their musical journeys, and how they found themselves in arts education.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
When did you go to Usdan?
Nicole Davidson (ND): I attended one year, the summer after 9th grade.
Eric Huckins (EH): From grade 6 to the summer after grade 12.
Tell me about your time at Usdan.
EH: My mom signed me up, and it was like nothing short of transformative. I wasn't the best student, but I knew music was my thing. Being in a place with peers who also wanted to be there to play music was incredible.
Playing every day and being exposed to high-level teaching that I hadn't otherwise been exposed to and some of the artists that were brought in....I remember hearing Tokyo String Quartet and Empire Brass Quintet, [hearing] world-class musicians at that age exposed me to something that I just wouldn't have otherwise been exposed to.
So, I was just totally hooked [on music] at Usdan.
ND: I loved the teachers I worked with when I was there, and I loved being a part of the Flute Studio because there were many older students. I was in the Senior Division, but I was on the younger side, so I got to work with a lot of awesome [older] musicians. And I thought, ‘Wow, I want to be the person, doing this and bringing my band to new heights.’ I got to see a different perspective of being in an ensemble than I did in school.
What was your favorite moment of your time at Usdan?
EH: I was a baritone player, baritone euphonium. You usually just play in a band, but there is a piece by Gustav Holst called “The Planets” and the orchestra was doing one of the movements called, “Mars, the Bringer of War.”
It actually is one of the only pieces for orchestra that includes a baritone euphonium solo. And it's kind of a big deal. I did that solo and playing this solo role in a different kind of ensemble felt so special to me. I just remember thinking: “Wow, I'm playing real music.”
That kind of got me hooked. I didn't really like instrumental or classical music until that point.
But then I started listening to it alongside what kids were listening like I was listening to back then. I had “The Planets” alongside My Chemical Romance.
ND: I really loved it when we got to perform in the Gala. My parents were so amazed when they saw the music we were making, the program, all of it. They’d be like, ‘wow, it's a lot different than school.’
I loved all the different performances that I got to do. We got to play for the Festival and that was fun because our friends could see us.
Left: Nicole on the right with a fellow camper while students at Usdan. Right: Nicole performing at a flute recital.
"My parents were so amazed when they saw the music we were making, the program, all of it."
How did you decide on your musical instrument?
ND: I had been playing for probably six or seven years by the time that I went to Usdan. In fourth grade I didn't even want to play an instrument at all, but my parents said, ‘you're going to play an instrument.’ So, I said, ‘fine, I'll play the flute.’
I was really tiny. I still am tiny, so I thought: ‘That'll be good – I can't be lugging around big trombone or anything!’
EH: I initially chose the Trumpet because I heard this trumpet in the subway, and it filled the whole kind of cavernous space. From that point on I loved the way brass instruments fill a space. It's like a big musical hug. Later I became a Baritone Horn player.
Could you tell me a story about someone that changed your life at Usdan?
EH: Something I remember really distinctly was the low brass teacher when I was at Usdan, Larry Whitmer, who is just such a kind guy and great human being. I feel like [he] was one of the biggest things that put me on this path. He was also a Curtis alum. He introduced me to Curtis and similar kinds of conservatories. So, he actually put me on a path both for music education and performing and was a role model for me.
I would give up my swim time and be his assistant teacher in the Junior Division. I think without him I would have a very different life.
What led you to a career in music education?
ND: I graduated from Plainview-Old Bethpage High School in 2013 and then I went to the University of Delaware for Music Education. Then I returned to Long Island where I've been teaching for the last eight years in the same school district at Copiague on the South Shore.
I teach third, fourth, and fifth grade band. I really thought that I was going to be a high school teacher up and through my freshman year of college, but then when I had practicum and student teaching experience in elementary, I realized I didn't want to do anything else. I get to teach small group lessons, and then I also get to have large ensembles twice a week.
I am really passionate about working with new teachers. I mentor new teachers in my department. I love taking on student teachers — they have so much passion and I love to work with them. I also do a lot of speaking at music education conferences. The presentation I do the most is called “Surviving and Thriving: Success in the Initial Years.” It's about giving new teachers the skills and confidence that they need during those important first few years of their career.
I’m also graduating from Stony Brook in June with a certificate in educational leadership; I want to be a school administrator. I'm hoping to have the chance to develop my leadership skills this summer.
Eric teaching young musicians in the classroom.
"I would give up my swim time and be his assistant teacher in the Junior Division. I think without him I would have a very different life."
EH: Honestly, music was the only thing I could imagine myself doing. I love to wear a lot of different hats within music. I always knew I wanted to do something that was education focused. It's really important to me to help other people have a great experience. I care about other people and like to be people focused. Being in a position like I am at Usdan, I take my role very seriously to help these young people have an incredible, life-changing summer.
After high school I went to Curtis Institute of Music which is one of the best conservatories in the world for music. I was so fortunate to go there. It was an incredible opportunity to be there with some of the most amazing musicians on the planet. Being part of something incredibly high level informs so much of what I do as an educator.
After Curtis, I went to Juilliard and since then, I've been fortunate to have a lot of high-level performing experience including playing at the New York City Ballet and American Symphony Orchestra.
In my day-to-day work during the school year, I'm the head of instrumental music at Greendale School. I direct the bands in 4th and 8th grade. It's a really wonderful place.
I started at Green Vale in 2022. My wife and I started an organization called Long Island Chamber Music. It provides professional classical music performances for Long Island communities. We're really fortunate to do that.
What are you most excited about in your return to Usdan?
ND: I'm looking forward to collaborating with all the different teachers. I know so many of them are amazing musicians and people. I'm looking forward to meeting with them and hearing their ideas for the summer.
I'm looking forward to seeing the kids and seeing what music they make. You know you can never predict with children what is going to happen, the ideas and the creativity they're going to bring, and what the summer is going to be like.
EH: Well, I'm excited to create high-level artistic experiences for the kids coming in. I think that’s what stood out to me most when I was a kid was having these larger-than-life experiences at Usdan.
So, I can't wait to start with a bang in that way.
I'm also really looking forward to hiring faculty. We have some really amazing world class artists. So really elevating the program and continuing Usdan's legacy of having these amazing musicians come in summer to teach.
For information on Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts’ Music Department and 2025 class offerings, including information on how to enroll, apply for tuition assistance, and participate in the 2025 Music Merit Scholarship search, visit usdan.org/music.
Creative Writing Anthology Release Party & Poetry Reading
Sunday, April 27, 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Poet in U recipients Maya K. (Senior Division) and Juniper Y. (Junior Division) will read original works alongside scholarship finalists, honorable mentions, and judges — Daniella Toosie-Watson, Daemond Arrindell, and Director of Education Javan Howard. The event will also showcase the debut Usdan Creative Writing Anthology featuring works from 2024 Creative Writing students. Plus, there will be an open mic portion for former and current Usdan students to share their words. Light refreshments will be served.
Come to the party and together let's celebrate the creative writers and poets of Usdan!
Scholarship Update
Congratulations to Our Uniquely U Recipients
Top Row (L–R): Seoyoon (Yoon) Choi, Declan Girgenti and Michael Mileta
Bottom Row (L–R): Gelly Stolove, Isabella (Bella) Thompson and Ingrid Westergren
Congratulations to our 2025 Uniquely U Scholarship Recipients (pictured above), and thank you to EVERYONE who participated in this year’s UU Scholarship Search. This year we received close to 300 applications, and we were blown away by the level of creativity on display!
To all our creative and talented students — keep being U!
More Scholarship Opportunities
Reel Love Challenge
Enter the Reel Love Challenge for the final chance to win a full 4-week scholarship to Usdan this summer!
Music Merit Scholarship
Instrumentalists and vocalists in grades 2 through 12 can sign up for an audition — either in person or virtually — through May 1. Auditions run through May 17. Applicants may receive scholarships covering up to 95% of tuition for Usdan’s 4- or 8-week Classic Music Program running between June 30 and August 22.
Spread the Love
Support Usdan’s Annual Spring Scholarship Drive
With a donation to Usdan, you can help our students bloom. Every gift, no matter the size, helps sustain our programs and supports young artists.
Usdan is Hiring!
Join the team
Help bring the magic of Usdan to life by joining our team as a full-time employee or as part of our summer faculty and staff for Summer 2025! Usdan is a creative and inclusive work environment recognized as one of the Top Long Island Workplaces for four consecutive years.
Exciting Summer 2025 Updates
New Astoria Bus Stop
We are excited to announce that our Transportation Department has added a bus stop in Astoria, Queens to better serve families in the area! The stop will be at the corner of 31st Avenue and 33rd Street. We hope that our Astoria families will find ease in the new centralized bus location.
Changes to Organic Gardening & Simple Food
4A students currently in grades 5 – 6 may now add Organic Gardening & Simple Food to their summer schedule as a Minor or Recreational Activity by filling out the 2025 Schedule Change Form and selecting "Class Change Request" in question #4.
Bows, Arrows & Soft Serve
Saturday, May 3, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Usdan Campus | Free Event
Spend the afternoon on the Usdan campus learning how to shoot a bow and arrow from Usdan's Archery teachers! Take home some Usdan swag, learn about our 1-week Recreational "Rec" Camp Program, and get free ice cream! Those in attendance will also receive a special day-of discount for Rec Camp 2025.
Usdan Out & About Town
Three Usdan alumni participated in Before Broadway and Beyond: A Roger Rees Awards Benefit Concert in March, celebrating 15 years of the Roger Rees Awards program and supporting in-school theater education through the Broadway Education Alliance. (L–R) Alum & Senior Development Coordinator Kyra Leeds, alum Isaiah Baston & alum Saydie Grossman.
(L–R) Creative Writing Lead Teacher Jasmine Rosario, Director of Eduction Javan Howard, Education Coordinator Michele Brisco, Lead Theater Teacher Stephanie Martinez attend Arts in Education Roundtable's arts education conference Face2Face.
Executive Director Lauren Brandt Schloss out to lunch with supporters (L–R) Channing Henry & alum Raoul Bhavnani. Raoul is also the son of one of Usdan’s architects Ashok Bhavnani.
(L–R) Director of Development Jessica Liss Feuer with UJA Director, Community Mobilizers Sepi Djavaheri at the UJA-LI's event at the Witness Project.
At the "Table Read" for Usdan-commissioned musicals. (L–R) Singer, composer & teacher Ben Boecker sits with his guitar next to songwriter, performer & playwright Billy Recce. Ben and Billy have both been commissioned for Kablam! & Aviva & the Dybbuk for Usdan's 2025 Season.
(L–R) Director of Education Javan Howard, the children's book character Arthur & Education Coordinator Michele Brisco help welcome Barnes & Noble to Huntington Station on April 2.
(L–R) Birthday lunch with Board Member & Chair of the Green Team Renee Lista & Lauren Brandt Schloss.
Calendar
Sunday, April 27
April Campus Tour – Filling Quickly!
11:00 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 1:30 p.m. | Usdan Campus
Sunday, April 27
Poetry Reading & Creative Writing Anthology Release Party
12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Usdan Campus
Wednesday, April 30
Reel Love Challenge Videos Due
Applications close at 11:59 p.m. ET
Thursday, May 1
Music Merit Scholarship Applications Due
Applications close at 11:59 p.m. ET
Saturday, May 3
Bows, Arrows & Soft Serve
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Usdan Campus
Sunday, May 4
May Campus Tour
11:00 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 1:30 p.m. | Usdan Campus
Monday, May 5
Dance, Music & Art Info Session
7:00 p.m. | Zoom
Sunday, May 18
May Campus Tour
11:00 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 1:30 p.m. | Usdan Campus
