The Discovery program is only offered for kindergarten and first graders. Please select a different department.
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Chess is not currently offered for children in Kindergarten and First grade. The Discovery program was designed to introduce young children the visual and performing arts. Please see the full description below. Dance classes are not currently offered for children in Kindergarten and First grade. The Discovery program was designed to introduce young children the visual and performing arts. Please see the full description below. Writing classes are not currently offered for children in Kindergarten and First grade. The Discovery program was designed to introduce young children the visual and performing arts. Please see the full description below. Music classes are not currently offered for children in Kindergarten and First grade. The Discovery program was designed to introduce young children the visual and performing arts. Please see the full description below. Theater classes are not currently offered for children in Kindergarten and First grade. The Discovery program was designed to introduce young children the visual and performing arts. Please see the full description below. Art classes are not currently offered for children in Kindergarten and First grade. The Discovery program was designed to introduce young children the visual and performing arts. Please see the full description below. Nature classes are not currently offered for children in Kindergarten and First grade. The Discovery program was designed to introduce young children the visual and performing arts. Please see the full description below. Available for: Grades K to 1 Session: 3, 4 or 7 weeks Description: A unique program of summer fun and exploration in the arts for boys & girls
currently in Kindergarten or First Grade. Children are placed into small groups, each with a college-age counselor who guides them throughout the day. The Discovery program is situated in the woodland setting of Usdan's newest building, the state-of-the-art Ross Discovery Center. Daily activities are drawn from a curriculum that includes Chorus, Painting & Ceramics, Swim, and Personal Journal Writing. Discovery classes are fun explorations in the arts that offer an introduction to the exciting world of Usdan's varied programs in music, art, theater, and dance.
Available for: Grades 2 to 3 Session: 3, 4 or 7 weeks Description: As a student in the Partners program, you will be greeted each day by a high-school age CIT. This CIT will lead your group to classes and you will join you for lunch and the daily assembly.
Available for: Grades 2 to 3 Session: 4 or 7 weeks Description: As a student in the Partners program, you will be greeted each day by a high-school age CIT. This CIT will lead your group to classes and you will join you for lunch and the daily assembly.
class: CONCERT BAND Available for: Grades 3 to 6 (Junior Division) Session: 7 weeks Description: Four bands offer performance opportunities for students of varying ages and abilities. Students must have at least one year of prior instruction with note reading. Concerts feature student performances of classic and contemporary band literature. 1 hour of Band and 1 hour in a sectional lesson daily. class: SENIOR JAZZ ENSEMBLE Available for: Grades 9 to 12 (by audition) Session:7 weeks Description: Three hours daily include classes in improvisation, jazz ensemble and concert band. For advanced jazz players. class: INTERMEDIATE JAZZ ENSEMBLE Available for: Grades 7 to 8 (by audition) Session: 7 weeks Description: Three hours daily include 2 periods of jazz ensemble and one period of concert band. For advanced jazz players. class: JUNIOR JAZZ ENSEMBLE Available for: Grades 5 to 6 (by audition) Session: 7 weeks Description: Three hours daily include classes in jazz ensemble, concert band and a sectional lesson. class: ORCHESTRA Available for: Grades 3 to 6 (Junior Division) Session: 7 weeks Description: Orchestras for students of varying ages and abilities. Students must have at least one year of prior instruction with note reading. Usdan Orchestras perform major symphonic works and collaborate with other Usdan ensembles. 1 hour of Orchestra and 1 hour in a sectional lesson daily. class: SENIOR CHORUS Available for: Grades 7 to 12 Session: 4 or 7 weeks Description: Two hours daily devoted to major choral works with opportunities for small ensemble singing. class: JUNIOR CHORUS Available for: Grades 2 to 6 Session: 4 or 7 weeks Description: A popular major for young singers, the Junior Chorus presents a choral concert in July and a theater revue in August. class: CLASSICAL GUITAR Available for: Grades 4 to 12 Session: 4 or 7 weeks Description: Two hours daily of classical instruction. Students must have at least one year of prior instruction. class: CLASSICAL PIANO Available for: Grades 3 to 12 (by audition) Session: 7 weeks Description: A unique program of group instruction. Students are placed by ability and study technique and solo repertoire. They are also introduced to the joys of ensemble playing. Students must have at least one year of prior instruction. Studios are equipped with new Yamaha professional pianos. class: SENIOR CHORUS Available for: Grades 7 to 12 Session: 4 or 7 weeks class: SELECT CHAMBER CHOIR Available for: Grades 7 to 12 (by audition) Session: 7 weeks class: JUNIOR CHORUS Available for: Grades 2 to 6 Session: 4 or 7 weeks class: CHAMBER MUSIC Available for: Grades 7 to 12 (limited availability, by audition) Session: 7 weeks class: JAZZ ENSEMBLE Available for: Grades 7 to 12 Session: 7 weeks class: FOLK GUITAR Available for: Grades 4 to 12 Session: 4 or 7 weeks class: BAND, ORCHESTRA Available for: Grades 7 to 9 Session: 7 weeks class: PAINTING & DRAWING Available for: Grades 2 to 12 Session: 4 or 7 weeks Description: Creative drawing and painting using acrylics, pastels and related media. class: FASHION DESIGN Available for: Grades 7 to 12 Session: 7 weeks Description: An introduction to current practice in fashion design, from the study of fashion concepts, to hands-on projects that explore elements of fashion such as color, texture, fabric, and accessories. Each student's design aesthetic is showcased in portfolios of original designs. class: CARTOONING Available for: Grades 5 to 12 Session: 4 or 7 weeks Description: An introduction to classic cartooning techniques and characters, with projects designed from concept to finished product. Techniques include thumbnail sketches and breakdowns, penciling, inking, and page layout. Students develop and design their own characters. class: ILLUSTRATION AND BOOK DESIGN Available for: Grades 7 to 12 Session: 7 weeks Description: The art of creating illustrated
stories from concept to completion. Students learn
skills in design, layout, and illustration in order to
create an original book. class: ANIMATION Available for: Grades 7 to 12 Session: 4 or 7 weeks Description: Fundamentals of 2D animation, in which students are introduced to both handdrawn and computer generated imagery. class: CERAMICS Available for: Grades 2 to 12 Session: 7 weeks Description: Experimentation with hand forming, turning on the potter’s wheel, ceramic design and sculpture, and glaze technology. class: SCULPTURE Available for: Grades 2 to 12 Session: 4 or 7 weeks Description: Exploration of three-dimensional forms, abstract and representational, in wood, stone, clay, plaster, wire and metal. class: Art Adventure Available for: Grades 2 to 4 Session: 3, 4 or 7 weeks (3 or 4 week students may not extend to the 7 week program) Description: An exploratory art experience in which students are introduced to a variety of media, including drawing, painting, hand-building ceramics, and sculpture. class: JEWELRY & FINE METALSMITHING Available for: Grades 4 to 12 Session: 7 weeks Description: Design and creation of jewelry using a wide variety of metals and stones. Curriculum selected from techniques such as cover cutting, piercing, riveting, soldering, stone setting, and glass fusing. class: PHOTOGRAPHY Available for: Grades 4 to 12 Session: 4 or 7 weeks Description: Photographic composition, printing, imaging, enhancement, and presentation on Apple Macintosh computers. Students supply their own digital camera. class: STUDIO ART Available for: Grades 5 to 12 Session: 3 or 4 weeks (3 or 4 week students may not extend to the 7 week program) Description: A 3 or 4-week introduction to two-dimensional and three-dimensional media. Class content is drawn from art forms such as drawing, painting, hand-building ceramics, sculpture, printmaking, collage, or others. class: VIDEO ARTS Available for: Grades 5 to 6 Session: 7 weeks Description: An introduction to video production using state-of-the-art studio and portable recording and editing equipment. The curriculum covers elements of storyboarding and plot development, camera technique, and video editing. Student projects are created by collaborative teams of student writers, editors, actors, directors, and camera operators. class: VIDEO AS A FILM ART Available for: Grades 7 to 12 Session: 7 weeks Description: A video production course with classes focused
on classic and contemporary cinematic technique.
Students create short videos inspired by film and
television, and also collaborate in the recording of
Usdan performances to create music videos. Videos are
created by student writers, editors, actors, directors,
and camera operators. Recording and post-production
take place in the Media Arts Center’s professionally
equipped studios and editing suites. class: Video Game Art and Design Available for: Grades 4 to 12 Session: 7 weeks Description: An introduction to the creation and development of non-violent Video Games. class: PAINTING & DRAWING Available for: Grades 2 to 12 Session: 4 or 7 weeks Description: Creative drawing and painting using acrylics, pastels and related media. class: LIFE DRAWING Available for: Grades 7 to 12 (For Art Majors Only) Session: 4 or 7 weeks Description: An exploration of the human form for advanced artists. Students will learn the principles of life drawing with the aid of draped models. class: USDAN REPERTORY THEATER COMPANY Available for: Grades 9 to 12 (by audition) Session: 7 weeks Description: For advanced actors, emphasis is on company responsibility for the entire production process. This company will present one musical and one drama. *4 PERIOD, FULL-DAY PROGRAM class: TECHNICAL THEATER Available for: Grades 10 to 12 (experience required) Session: 7 weeks Description: An advanced level course for experienced theater tech students in grades 10 through 12. The program builds on each student's experience in project organization and process, as students also participate in hands-on tech activities in Usdan's theaters. 4-Period program. Limited enrollment. *4 PERIOD, FULL-DAY PROGRAM class: DRAMA Available for: Grades 7 to 12 Session: 7 weeks Description: Classes with emphasis on acting, speech, movement and comedy. class: MUSICAL THEATER Available for: Grades 4 to 12 Session: 4 or 7 weeks (4 week students may not extend to the 7 week program) Description: Classes with emphasis on acting, speech, movement, voice and dance. class: THEATER ADVENTURE Available for: Grades 2 to 3 Session: 4 or 7 weeks (4 week students may not extend to the 7 week program) Description: An exploratory theater experience in which students are introduced to basic acting and singing skills, and to the traditions of the stage. class: ACTOR'S SKILLS Available for: Grades 7 to 12 (For theater majors only) Session: 7 weeks Description: This non-performance elective provides theater majors with a broad range of fundamental approaches to the challenges faced by young actors. class: BALLET Available for: Grades 2 to 12 Session: 7 weeks Description: Study of classical technique including barre and center exercises, across the floor combinations and performance of original choreography or classic repertory. Beg., Int., & Adv. levels in the Partners and Junior Divisions; Int. & Adv. levels only in the Senior Division (Minimum of 3 consecutive years of study). class: DANCE ADVENTURE Available for: Grades 2 to 4 Session: 4 or 7 weeks Description: An exploratory dance experience for beginners in which students are introduced to a variety of forms, including jazz, modern, ballet, and popular/contemporary dance. class: USDAN DANCE INTENSIVE Available for: Grades 7 to 12 (by audition; call for details) Session: 7 weeks Description: A select program for advanced dancers. Choose between a focus in Ballet or Jazz & Tap. Four-period, full-day program. *4 PERIODS, FULL-DAY PROGRAM class: JAZZ & TAP Available for: Grades 4 to 12 (by audition) Session: 7 weeks Description: Int./Adv. level class. Explore
contemporary dance forms from classic jazz and tap traditions. Students must have prior experience.
class: BALLET Available for: Grades 2 to 6 Session: 7 weeks Description: Beg. & Int. levels. class: MODERN DANCE Available for: Grades 2 to 12 Session: 7 weeks Description: Beg. & Int./Adv. levels. Incorporating elements of classical ballet, improvisation, and structured movement, Usdan's Modern Dance program is based in Martha Graham technique. class: TAP DANCE Available for: Grades 2 to 12 Session: 7 weeks Description: Beg., Int., & Adv. levels. class: JAZZ DANCE Available for: Grades 4 to 12 Session: 7 weeks Description: Contemporary dance forms drawn from Broadway and classic jazz traditions.
Chess is not currently offered for second graders. Please choose another department.
class: CHESS Available for: Grades 3 to 12 Session: 3, 4 or 7 weeks Description: Usdan's chess program is designed to meet the individual needs of each student. 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.
class: CHESS Available for: Grades 3 to 12 Session: 4 or 7 weeks
Writing is not currently offered for second graders. Please choose another department.
Writing is not currently offered as a major for third graders. Please choose another department.
class: CREATIVE WRITING Available for:Grades 4 to 12 Session:4 or 7 weeks Description: The writing of stories, plays and poems. Participation in the production of Usdan Center's literary magazine, Painting with Words.
class: CREATIVE WRITING Available for:Grades 3 to 12 Session:7 weeks Description: Instruction and practice in the writing of stories and poems. class: Nature, Ecology & Design Available for: Grades 2 to 6 Session: 4 or 7 weeks Description: Usdan's magnificent forest provides a vibrant setting to study Long Island's ecosystems. Hands-on projects include garden and forest exploration, and the experience of nature as realized in science, art, and craft.
class: Organic Gardening and Simple Food Available for: Grades 4 to 6 Session: 4 or 7 weeks Description: The art of planning, and the hands-on growing and cultivation of Usdan's organic fruit and vegetable gardens, together with the preparation of simple dishes with ingredients from the harvest.
class: Nature, Ecology & Design Available for: Grades 2 to 6 Session: 4 or 7 weeks class: Organic Gardening & Simple Food Available for: Grades 4 to 6 Session: 4 or 7 weeks class: RECREATIONAL SPORTS Available for: Grades 2 to 12 Session: 3, 4 or 7 weeks Description: Light recreational sports such as basketball, volleyball, ping-pong, badminton, archery and board games.
class: GROUP TENNIS Available for: Grades 3 to 12 Session: 4 or 7 weeks Description: Daily instruction and play, on Usdan's courts, under the guidance of trained tennis instructors. A non-competitive beginner and intermediate program, with students placed in groups according to age. Choose Group Tennis minor either as an elective, or in place of swim. *Additional fee of $475. Limited openings.
Description: Students will be assigned one period daily of instructional and/or recreational swim in Usdan's beautiful outdoor pools. Bring a towel and bathing suit every day.




7-12 (Senior Division)
For Wind, Brass and Percussion instruments.
7-12 (Senior Division)
For String instruments.







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