2026 Honorees

Faculty Award Honoree

David Schecher Sr.

David Schecher has devoted more than five decades to the advancement of music education and performance. A graduate of Ithaca College and Stony Brook University, his distinguished teaching career includes service in the Rocky Point and Bayport-Blue Point School Districts, as well as a private teaching studio that he has maintained since 1974. Dave has been an integral member of Usdan since 1986, serving with distinction as both a teacher and former Dean of Students.

As a performer, he has shared his musicianship with the Long Island Brass Guild, Atlantic Wind Symphony, and Nassau Symphony. Beyond his professional accomplishments, he is a devoted husband to Patricia Schecher, a proud father of three children (all Usdan Alum and staff members, themselves), and a cherished grandfather of one grandchild.

Throughout his career, he has inspired generations of students through his unwavering commitment to excellence, mentorship, and the transformative power of music. His enduring contributions to Usdan and the music education field, as well as the countless students, colleagues, and friends whose lives have been shaped by his kindness, wisdom, and dedication stand as a testament to his legacy.

Young Alumni Award Honoree

Samantha Mason

Samantha started her Usdan journey in 2018, having enrolled as a senior band major. Over her five summers as a camper, she developed both as a musician and a person, later working as a Leader in Usdan's Partners in the Arts Program. This is now her fourth summer working as the Student Supervision Associate for that very same program, helping to create the same welcoming and inspiring environment that shaped her own experience.

Samantha is now entering her senior year at SUNY Fredonia, pursuing a degree in Music Education and Flute Performance, hoping to return to Long Island and give back to the music community that supported her. She is passionate about mentoring fellow students and supporting future music educators, and she does that through her roles as a Music Tutor within the School of Music and as President of Collegiate NYSSMA/NAfME, representing all of New York's collegiate music students at both the state and national level.

Class	Session	Major/Minor
Festival Showrunners: Usher, Host & Capture!	4-Week A 4-Week B	Minor
Recreational Camp	1-Week Rec Camp	Major
Chess	4-Week A 4-Week B	Major and Minor and Recreational Activity
Performance: Children’s Theater	4-Week A 4-Week B	Major
Performance: Musical Theater	4-Week A 4-Week B	Major
Performance: The Usdan Troupe	8-Week	Major
Theater Skills: Improvisation & Theater Games	4-Week A 4-Week B	Minor
Theater Skills: The Actor Sings	4-Week A 4-Week B	Minor
Archery	4-Week A 4-Week B	Minor and Recreational Activity
U Time	4-Week A 4-Week B	Minor and Recreational Activity
Yoga	4-Week A 4-Week B	Minor and Recreational Activity
Nature, Ecology & Design	4-Week A 4-Week B	Major and Minor
Seed to Snack: Edible Gardening	4-Week A 4-Week B	Major and Minor
Absolute Beginner Guitar Minor	4-Week A 4-Week B	Minor
Absolute Beginner Piano Minor	4-Week A 4-Week B	Minor
Chamber Ensemble	4-Week A 4-Week B	Minor
Composition: Classical Music	4-Week A 4-Week B	Major and Minor
Composition: Intro to DJ Basics and the History of Hip-Hop	4-Week A	Minor
Composition: Songwriting	4-Week A 4-Week B	Minor
Concert Band	4-Week A 4-Week B	Major
Guitar Minor (1-2 Years of Experience)	4-Week A 4-Week B	Minor
Jazz Ensemble (Major)	4-Week A	Major
Jazz Ensemble (Minor)	4-Week A 4-Week B	Minor
Junior Piano Major (3+ Years of Experience)	4-Week A 4-Week B	Major
Junior Vocal Ensemble	4-Week A 4-Week B	Major and Minor
Orchestra	4-Week A 4-Week B	Major
Piano Minor (1-2 Years of Experience)	4-Week A 4-Week B	Minor
Senior Piano Major (4+ Years of Experience)	4-Week A 4-Week B	Major
Senior Vocal Ensemble	4-Week A 4-Week B	Major and Minor
Ballet	4-Week A	Major
Broadway Jazz Dance	4-Week A 4-Week B	Minor and Recreational Activity
Choreography	4-Week B	Major
Dance Adventure	4-Week A 4-Week B	Major
Hip Hop Dance (Major)	4-Week A 4-Week B	Major
Hip Hop Dance (Minor)	4-Week A 4-Week B	Minor and Recreational Activity
Tap Dance	4-Week A 4-Week B	Minor and Recreational Activity
Creative Writing	4-Week A 4-Week B	Major and Minor
Creative Writing: Playwriting	4-Week B	Minor
Art Adventure	4-Week A 4-Week B	Major
Beginner Painting	4-Week B	Minor
Ceramics	4-Week A 4-Week B	Major
Comic Art	4-Week A 4-Week B	Major and Minor
Jewelry Making: Mixed Media	4-Week A 4-Week B	Major
LEGO™ Construction	4-Week A 4-Week B	Minor and Recreational Activity
Painting & Drawing	4-Week A 4-Week B	Major and Minor
Photography	4-Week A 4-Week B	Major and Minor
Portfolio Development	4-Week A	Minor
Sculpture	4-Week A 4-Week B	Major
Sewing & Fashion Design	4-Week A 4-Week B	Major
Discovery	4-Week A 4-Week B	Major