Recreational Arts

Creative Writing

Creative Writing at Usdan takes full advantage of New York City’s pool of exceptional writers to lead our summer creative writing programs. Our faculty is comprised of accomplished authors who are also experienced in nurturing students in the discipline and art of writing.

Whether their preferred form is poetry, plays, short stories, novels, or non-fiction, our young storytellers get to practice their writing in small, collaborative groups. Working in peaceful, open air writing studios, our writers build imaginative narratives and find their creative voices, while experimenting with the core elements of storytelling like style, structure, setting, point of view, conflict and resolution.  One vital element of our teaching involves encouraging our students to experience empathy, both as an ingredient and a result of their writing practice.  Finally, all writing students gain invaluable editorial experience by shaping and contributing their works to a new installment of Usdan’s literary magazine, Painting with Words.

2018 Classes

Creative Writing; Making Magic, Monsters, & More;

For more detailed information, please visit our Classes page.

Music

In the chorus program, our singers focus on finding their voices and mastering technique, as well as working together to learn major choral repertoire. Piano and guitar students work on technique and perspective through individual and ensemble practice and performance.  Our orchestra musicians form the core of Usdan's four dynamic orchestras, and practice within a full orchestra as well as in their own sections each day. Our jazz students can be-bop, swing or samba in Usdan’s jazz ensembles, and receive tailored instruction within their sectionals and ensembles depending on their age and experience level.  Four concert bands offer exceptional collaboration and performance opportunities for budding band musicians of every age and ability. Concert band students participate in one hour of full band rehearsal in addition to another hour of sectional study each day.

Classes, rehearsals, and performances take place in the camp’s McKinley Amphitheater and several studios, sized for each group and specialty. And throughout the summer, our music students have opportunities to present their summer’s work to family, friends, and the entire Usdan community.

2018 Music Summer Program

2018 MAJORS

Band (Flute, Clarinet, Oboe, Bassoon, Trumpet, Saxophone, French Horn, Trombone, Baritone, Tuba, Percussion); Intermediate Piano; Intermediate/Advanced Piano;  Jazz Ensemble (Trumpet, Saxophone, Trombone, Guitar, Bass, Drum Set, Piano); Orchestra (Violin, Viola, Cello, String Bass); Junior Chorus; Senior Chorus; Strum, Pluck, & Pick: Guitar Instruction. 

2018 MINORS

Absolute Beginning Guitar; Absolute Beginner Piano; Chamber Music (Flute, Clarinet, Oboe, Bassoon, Trumpet, Saxophone, French Horn, Trombone, Baritone, Tuba, Percussion, Violin, Viola, Cello, String Bass, Piano); Guitar & Songwriting;  Jazz Ensemble (Trumpet, Saxophone, Trombone, Guitar, Bass, Drum Set, Piano); Junior Chorus; Piano; Rock on!; Senior Chorus.

For more detailed information, please visit our Classes page.

Discovery

Play and exploration are at the heart of Discovery, where children enjoy music, art, dance and swim multiple times a week.  Rather than select a major and minor, Discovery students experience a special multi-disciplinary program tailored for their age group.  Discovery students experience the arts through hands-on practice with Usdan's esteemed faculty. Each class is led by a minimum of four adults who provide individualized attention and support.

Throughout the summer, Discovery campers attend select assemblies performed by professional and student artists.  In addition to the core program, additional activities draw from Usdan's diverse offerings such as theater, nature, archery, chess and photography. With the Discovery Center as a base, campers explore the arts together in small groups with dedicated college-age counselors to guide them throughout their adventurous day.  

Children from all over the New York metropolitan area choose Usdan’s Discovery program because it is a singular summer arts camp for kids who share a common love for the arts.

Typical Day
9:30 a.m. : Children are helped off of their bus by one of the Discovery counselors
10:05 a.m. : Chorus
10:45 a.m. : Snack
11:05 a.m. : Art  
12:00 p.m. : Swim
1:00 p.m. : Lunch / Supervised Play 
2:05 p.m. : Discovery Period*
3:00 p.m. : Ice Cream and children are brought back to their buses

* The "Discovery Period" is an activity that is scheduled weekly such as theatre or a scheduled visit to one of the junior/senior classes such as chess, archery, or sewing.