Amanda Kloos

Years at Usdan:2005-2010

For six summers straight, I had experienced the greatest performances, and moments of my life. I had majored in Orchestra and Senior Chorus, with minors in Chorus, Painting, and Creative Writing. Usdan had been the biggest influence in my life and now has pushed me to where I am today. Currently I am working on a B.M. in Vocal Performance in LIU: Post. Also I am conducting a show choir in Post, which I started after my adventures in All-County and performing in Tilles Center when I was in Usdan. It's been interesting not attending Usdan, but I think about it everyday, and I hope the memories will last forever. Thank you Usdan for being the greatest thing to ever happen to me. I'll never forget my summers at the greatest place, Usdan.

Ian Poulis

Years at Usdan:1997

After Usdan and graduating from the Kirov Academy of Ballet, I have danced professionally with Ballet Internationale-Indianapolis, Ballet Met, Ballet Arizona and now currently with the Louisville Ballet. Thank you Usdan for the inspiration. Keep doing what you do!

Cory Hecht

Years at Usdan:2007-2009

With just 3 years of experience at Usdan studying music, theatre, and musical theatre, I have gained a wealth of knowledge which I now use everyday. I am a current student at SUNY Potsdam and taking classes at the Crane School of Music. I have performed with the All-State and All-Eastern Choirs and will be performing with the Crane Chorus at Lincoln Center in Avery Fisher Hall.

Emily DeSimone and Peter Sticco

Years at Usdan:2001, 2004-2007

Ten years ago, two USDAN students lost themselves for a summer and found love for a lifetime. One warm August day in 2001, Peter Sticco, a Jazz Trumpet Major, met Emily DeSimone, a flute Major, while taking attendance for his bus. It started off as a friendship that grew into a loving relationship. After being campers ,Peter became an MSI in 2004, and Emily became the Flute TA from 2005 until 2007. On June 16, 2010 Peter asked Emily to be his wife; the couple will be married on March 31, 2012. Emily is currently a music teacher at The School at Columbia University, and Peter is a third year medical student working clinical rotations at Richmond University Hospital on Staten Island.

Sarah Weber

Years at Usdan:2000, 2002-2006

After spending seven unforgettable summers at Usdan in orchestra, chamber music, chorus, creative writing, and painting, I returned in 2008 to work as a Development Intern. I’ve been the librarian at Usdan since 2009 and I still play with Usdan’s orchestras! I recently graduated from Ithaca College where I received a BM in violin performance and music education. Now I am pursuing my MM in Music Theory at the University of Massachusetts Amherst with an aural skills teaching assistantship. New York State teacher certification is also just around the corner.

Kieran Kerekes

Years at Usdan:2000, 2002-2006

I recently graduated in May from The Boston Conservatory with my Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance Degree. I currently live in Hempstead,NY and I am also now a member of the NYC based men's a capella group, Ten&Change, which performs across New York City and the surrounding area. I am also doing solo work as a professional singer with various churches around Long Island and New York City. Many of the skills I gained at Usdan have already helped me in my college career and now my professional life. I have had many good times at Usdan, and I keep in contact with a large portion of my fellow campers from our time at Usdan.

Colleen Rosati McCormack

Years at Usdan: 1999, 2004-2007

I am the Creative Coordinator for Disney Theatrical Group, where I assist in the development of shows such as Peter and the Starcatcher, Aladdin, Newsies and Freaky Friday. My many years at Usdan (as a Theater Major, office assistant and Discovery Counselor) have proved invaluable in my work developing Disney JR. and KIDS titles designed specifically for Elementary and Middle School aged children. I currently live with my husband in Astoria, Queens.

Andrew Parker

Years at Usdan:1998-1999, 2005-2008

Since attending Usdan as a student in Middle School and working in the Administration Office during my undergrad I have gone on to finish a Bachelors Degree in Oboe Performance from SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Music, a Masters of Music Degree in Oboe Performance from the Yale University School of Music and am currently working on my Doctorate of Musical Arts Degree in Oboe Performance from The University of Texas at Austin. Along with playing in numerous NYC concert halls such as Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall, I am currently a substitute member of the oboe section for the Austin Symphony Orchestra and have participated in many summer orchestra festivals such as The Roundtop International Summer Institute and the Brevard Music Center Festival.

Stephanie Lanuto

Years at Usdan: 1998-2000

Currently, I am an elementary orchestra director in the Herricks School district. I received my Masters of Science in Music Education from Long Island University/CW Post in 2007. I currently live in Huntington, NY

Sharon Kitzis

Years at Usdan: 1999, 2007-current

Since my summers of studying flute and voice as a Usdan student, I continue to spend my summers working in Usdan’s Development office, because this place is impossible to leave behind! In May 2012, I will earn my Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from SUNY Fredonia, and I am currently preparing for graduate school auditions as the first step toward earning a Master’s in Flute Performance. I have very fond memories of Usdan, and keep in touch with many friends I made during my summers as a student.

Karla Aristy

Years at Usdan: 2009

I am entering my junior year at New York University for Music Education (Concentration: Classical Saxophone) with a Spanish minor. A little over a month ago, I returned from my spring semester abroad in Florence. I had the time of my life with the culture, the language, the music---the food! Currently, I have returned to Usdan for the second year to work in the office--as the "Bus Lady". I must say, as always, I am very glad to be back at Usdan and am enjoying every minute of it!

Jon Reilly

Years at Usdan: 2002-2004

Currently, I am a Stitcher at PCPA Theatrefest in Santa Maria, CA.

Rebecca Friedman

For the past nine years, I have been working as an elementary band director. I continue to play clarinet in local ensembles and teach private lessons. In 2009 I completed my Masters in Arts Management and continue to look for opportunities within the field. In August 2010, I married Bryce Jones and we live in Fairfax County, VA.

Arianna Grassia

I am just finishing up my first year as the MS/HS librarian in the Hastings-on-Hudson school district in Westchester County, NY. I received my Masters of Library Science from Long Island University in January of 2010, and my BA in English from the University at Buffalo in May of 2006. I've been living in Harrison, NY since August of 2008.

Andria Grassia

I am working as a freelance photographer in Westchester County, NY and completing my Bachelor's degree in Environmental Studies at Empire State College.

Ashley Firestone

I continued to work summers at Usdan throughout college and graduate school, and finally graduated from New York University with a Master's in Performing Arts Administration in 2007. From there, I worked in the Special Events department at Roundabout Theatre Company, planning fabulous parties for the Broadway community and Roundabout's supporters. I am currently working in the Arts & Events department at the World Financial Center in downtown New York, where I help to coordinate a year-round free arts and culture program.