Dear Friends,

On August 11, 1973, teenager Cindy Campbell set out to throw a multigenerational party to raise money for back-to-school clothes. Charging 25 cents for girls and 50 cents for boys, the party in the rec room of her Bronx apartment building is now widely recognized as the "big-bang moment" of Hip-Hop music and culture.

This revolutionary party brought together the five foundational elements of Hip-Hop for the first time — DJing, MCing, B-boys/B-girls (breakdancing), graffiti, and fashion. Additionally, DJ Kool Herc, Cindy's brother, brought his revolutionary DJ technique, using two turntables to isolate and extend "the breakdown part" — the best moments of a song that really got his family and friends moving to the music.  

Now as two of Usdan's Artists in Residence, Cindy Campbell and DJ Kool Herc are throwing their second Usdan back-to-school party — inviting all-ages to join in a celebration of Hip-Hop music and culture on Saturday, August 9.

Tickets are now on sale. Hurry and secure yours today (last year sold out!) — ticket sales close on August 4!

 

Read on for the Week Two Festival recap, an interview with some Chess students, a reminder about our inclement weather procedures, and more!

 

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Our hearts are heavy from the news of the tragic loss of campers and staff at Camp Mystic in Central Texas. We send our deepest condolences to the communities impacted by this disaster. The American Camp Association of New York and New Jersey will soon be sharing information on how to support the affected camp and camp families. We will be sure to pass this information on.

 

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Festival Week 2 Recap

Old & new friends take the stage

 

Voices of Broadway returned for their first of two shows this season! Organized by Usdan alum and Broadway music director Mat Eisenstein, this Festival performance featured stars of the musical "Real Women Have Curves" Aline Mayagoitia and Jennifer Sánchez.

 

Usdan alum Dr. Nicole Wright played violin with the Harlem Chamber Players alongside Amadi Azikiwe and Wayne Smith on Tuesday, July 8. Following the performance, Nicole wrote, "What an experience. I knew upon entering the festival's doors our energy aligned. Performing for the students was exhilarating. They were full of energy and excitement."

 

Jeanine Nagao (French horn) with Johann Palo (clarinet), Jeff Suzda (saxophones), Gabriel Nekrutman (saxophone), Alex Della Ratta (tuba), Jocelyn Lee (piano), and Patrick Armann (percussion) performed at Festival on Wednesday, July 9 as the Cocoon Bloom Faculty Ensemble.

 

Back by the most popular demand, the beloved Red Trouser Show by David Graham and Tobin Renwick returned to Usdan on Thursday, July 10. The show included circus stunts, acrobatics, and comedy for a jam-packed, nail-biting performance.

 

Alum performer Adam Cordero (saxophone) joined by Odin Scherer (guitar), Emmanuel Michael (guitar), Rafael Enciso (bass), and Alex Yoo (drums) performed on Friday, July 11 as the Adam Cordero Arcadia Quintet. The second song, called "Beija-Flor," which translates to hummingbird, is a song inspired by a bird call Adam heard while at Usdan. 

 

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Love is...Community Days

Community Days are some of the best times to visit campus! Join us on Wednesday, July 23 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for a day filled with art, performances, raffles, and the magic of Usdan. 

An RSVP is required to attend the event, and donations are strongly encouraged. Registration closes July 16!

 

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See Your Kids in Action!

Subscribe to our photo platform

Do not miss out on any of the fun! Subscribe to Waldo Photo Gallery Service to see our regularly updated photo gallery at waldophotos.com/galleries or by downloading the Waldo app and entering the code: USDANPICS25.

 

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Love is...Playing Chess Together

'It's just really fun, learning from each other.'

Since 2020, there has been dramatic shifts in chess popularity with the release of the Netflix series "The Queen’s Gambit" and the popularity of online chess platforms. The sixth century game has a unique way of reflecting the context of its times. Today, chess reflects the changing technology, with AI integration allowing for personalized training and the increasing popularity of chess e-sports tournaments. 

Amid all the Chess and technology hubbub, however, Usdan’s Chess Department offers something simpler: the opportunity to spend time with friends and have fun while doing it. As Chess student Juno B. (grade 9) says: “Here at camp, instead of playing online, it’s in real time. I found it a lot easier to make friends here while playing chess.” 

 

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Inclement Weather

We take the safety of our entire community seriously! When there is severe weather or lightning, all persons on campus are required to shelter in place, including on buses, in cars, or in studios. Please understand this may cause delays to pick-up and drop-off schedules. Thank you in advance for your patience.

 

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Give Your Child a FULL Summer at Usdan

Want to stay immersed in the creative oasis of Usdan? It is not too late to extend your four week session to eight weeks! Session 4B runs from July 28 to August 22.

Can't extend for the full 8 weeks? Add a week or two of Recreational Camp for students in grades 2-8. 

Discovery students can also extend for an extra two weeks!

 

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WEEK 2 IN MEDIA

For more photos and videos, follow us on Instagram and TikTok.

Following their Festival performance, Broadway addresses Aline Mayagoitia and Jennifer Sánchez participated in a Q & A with the Usdan Troupe. 

 

Every day at Usdan ends with ice cream! As students head to dismissal, they are delighted to find out which flavor of ice cream they get to cool off with that day. 

 

Following the first Red Trouser Show of the season, the Discovery students participated in a workshop, learning some fun tips on circus arts

 

This Friday was Rainbow Day! Students wearing the Rainbow "U" gathered after Festival for a group photo. Can't make it to the Welcome Center to get your favorite Usdan tee? Visit our online shop to see what new merch we have in store. 

 

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Calendar Highlights: Week 3

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Here is what's coming up next week!

Families of students are welcome to attend Festival performances and join us after for a backstage lunch. Festival performances will also be livestreamed, as well as recorded and posted, to our YouTube Channel.

 

Monday, July 14

Festival Performance: Junior Creative Writing Majors & Minors

12:10 p.m. | McKinley Amphitheater | Usdan Campus

Festival Performance: Senior Creative Writing Majors & Minors

12:35 p.m. | McKinley Amphitheater | Usdan Campus

 

Tuesday, July 15

Festival Performance: Junior Vocal Ensemble Majors & Minors

12:10 p.m. | McKinley Amphitheater | Usdan Campus

Festival Performance: Senior Vocal Ensemble Majors & Minors

12:10 p.m. | McKinley Amphitheater | Usdan Campus

 

Wednesday, July 16

Camp Kindness Day

All day | Usdan Campus

RENT by Senior Musical Theater

10:30 a.m. | Usdan Campus

Festival Performance: Senior Orchestra Majors

12:10 p.m. & 12:35 p.m. | McKinley Amphitheater | Usdan Campus

5-Year Lunch for 4A Senior Students

12:10 p.m. | Usdan Campus

5-Year Lunch for 4A Junior Students

12:30 p.m. | Usdan Campus

"RENT" by Junior Musical Theater

1:30 p.m. | Usdan Campus

 

Thursday, July 17

Spamalot by Senior Musical Theater

10:30 a.m | Hillside Theater | Usdan Campus

Festival Performance: Senior Band Majors

12:10 p.m. & 12:35 p.m. | McKinley Amphitheater | Usdan Campus

 

Friday, July 18

Spirit Friday: PJ Day

All day

Beetlejuice by Senior Musical Theater

10:30 a.m. | Usdan Campus

Festival Performance: RENT highlights Musical Theater Majors

12:10 p.m. & 12:35 p.m. | McKinley Amphitheater | Usdan Campus

Beetlejuice by Junior Musical Theater

1:30 p.m. | Usdan Campus