Usdan Center for the Creative and Performing Arts - Programs Offered

A unique program of summer fun and exploration in the arts for students currently in Kindergarten or First Grade. Children are placed into groups of 10–12, 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.

Faculty

Eileen M. Benedict | Jr. Chorus, Discovery Chorus

M.S., Long Island University. Conductor, SCMEA and NMEA Festivals, SUNY Stony Brook Community Music. Former faculty, Connetquot Schools.

Elaine Gates | Discovery Music

B.S., NYU, M.A. SUNY New Paltz. Founder and Conductor, N.Y.U. Children's Chorus. Former Director of Undergraduate Music Education at NYU, and faculty, Huntington Schools. Faculty, Long Island University.

Edna Debeer Gruvman | Discovery

B.A., Empire State College; M.S. Dance Movement Therapy, Hunter College. Ballet and yoga teacher.

Todd Hiscox | Painting, Discovery Art

B.F.A., Syracuse, M.A., Purdue. Faculty, Huntington Schools.

Elissa Reichstein | Chair, Discovery Program

B.F.A., Boston University, M.A., Adelphi University, M.A., Long Island University. Faculty, Half Hollow Hills Schools.

David A. Schecher | Discovery Chorus

B. Music, Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam. Performed with The Camarata Singers, and Oberlin Conservatory's Oberlin in Italy opera programs. Faculty, Bay Shore Schools.