The Usdan Weekly #8
Usdan was created to give all students the safety, support, skills, and freedom to develop and share their unique voices. By playing with different personalities and roles, students stretch the limits of what they previously thought they could express and find so much joy along the way.
That spirit was everywhere this summer: on our stages, across our studios, and throughout the entire campus. I hope every student leaves Usdan proud of what they created and discovered here, and that our families and friends leave inspired by the incredible variety of voices they had the opportunity to witness.
To all of our students: Remember, your voice is your greatest power. It is the only one of its kind. If you do not share it, it will never be heard.
To our staff, friends, and families: Thank you for giving the students the freedom to share their one-of-a-kind voices.
Lauren Brandt Schloss
Executive Director
P.S. Don't forget to get your tickets for the Hip-Hop Pool Party on Saturday, August 8! They're selling fast!
earth update
The theme of the summer is VOICE; the element of the summer is EARTH; and the insect of the summer is ANT. In every summer newsletter, we will provide an update on how these inspirations appeared on campus that week. Here's an update on VOICE!
This session, Usdan's Discovery students (grades K-1) focused on the book "The Curious Garden," by Peter Brown. The story, based on the New York City High Line, tells of a little boy who discovers an empty railroad track. Seeing the potential to make a positive impact on his grey city, the boy makes the empty track into a beautiful garden.
"We felt the story was a perfect connection to the 2026 element of EARTH and theme of VOICE as it shows how the little boy was able to creatively make his environment more beautiful."
— Discovery Chair Sadie Friedman's opening remarks for the Discovery performance, Thursday, August 20 Our Junior Vocal Ensemble Majors and Minors kicked off the week with a bang, embodying the power of individual and collective VOICES. Check out the recap here.
On Thursday, August 20, the Art department marched from the Art Village to the Amphitheater stage for the 2026 Art Parade led by Sculpture Lead Teacher Chris Vivas.
return2u is open!
As we send this note about an hour after a record-breaking teary goodbye to summer, we heard students saying to their friends and teachers, “I'll be back! See you next summer!” Enrolled families can ensure this is the case by registering for Return2U today. Don’t miss out on first choice of classes and the best tuition rate of the summer!
Visit Usdan.org/Return2U for more info.
Summer 2026 soundwalk
In case you missed the Usdan Soundwalk created by 2026 Artist in Residence Lisa Schonberg in collaboration with Usdan staff and students, here is the link to enjoy the noises of campus.
We invite you to lean on this playlist any time you are missing the relaxing and inspiring sounds of Usdan's campus. 🍃
‼️ CALLS TO ACTION ‼️
Summer may be coming to a close, but giving back is always in season. Donate today to support Usdan's life-changing programs and keep the magic going all year round!
Did you miss the opportunity to commemorate Summer 2026 at Usdan? Check out the Usdan online store. We deliver! :)
On Thursday, August 20, New York State Assemblyman Kwani B. O'Pharrow visited campus for the Junior and Senior Band Majors Festival performance. Thank you, Assemblyman O'Pharrow for representing nearly one hundred Usdan students and supporting the arts more broadly! Pictured above (L-R): Music Major Maleek S., Executive Director Lauren Brandt Schloss, Assemblyman Kwani B. O'Pharrow, and beloved Band Conductor Dave Schecher Sr.
What's coming up at usdan
October 2 – November 1, 2026
Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts
If you were said goodbye to Usdan today, make share to join us for our autumnal festivities. For the fifth year in a row, Usdan will transform into a Halloween wonderland for the spectacular RISE of the Jack O'Lanterns. Wander through an immersive after-dark experience featuring more than 10,000 hand-carved illuminated jack o'lanterns and autumnal refreshments.
Get your RISE tickets today. 🕷️
Partners in the arts corner
Our Partners in the Arts are our second and third grade students transitioning into a more independent camp experience with the support of mature high school-aged students in our Leadership program. We started this column to share a little bit more about this special department on campus.
"Working as part of the Administrative team for Partners in the Arts has been such a treat. These kids are not only bright and fun, but extraordinarily talented in a way that you have to see to believe. The way they care, support, and pick each other up when they’re down is truly inspiring. As adults, we could learn a thing or two from them.
A huge thank you to every leader, every Partners in the Arts student, and every parent who trusted us with your children. The magic of Usdan comes from U. Have a fantastic school year, and I can’t wait to see you next summer!"
— Jack Soldano, Supervision Assistant
The world premiere of "Good Rats," a Usdan-commissioned musical written by Billy Recce, wrapped up the 2026 Theater season on Thursday, August 20. Stay tuned for the original soundtrack set to be released on Usdan's Bandcamp next month.
MEMORIES FROM SUMMER 2026
🌟 Waldo Photos: Review the summer in photos!
🌟 Catch up on all of our Festival performances on Usdan's Youtube.
SEE YOU NEXT SUMMER!
Have a great autumn, and enjoy our poem of the week:
Nothing Gold Can Stay
Nature’s first green is gold,
Her hardest hue to hold.
Her early leaf’s a flower;
But only so an hour.
Then leaf subsides to leaf.
So Eden sank to grief,
So dawn goes down to day.
Nothing gold can stay.
— Robert Frost
