On LI, business leaders help make Usdan scholarships possible

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With the help of Long Island business leaders, and others, Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts in Wheatley Heights is continuing its music merit scholarship program.

The arts camp is now accepting applications for the scholarship program, which is open to young instrumentalists and vocalists in grades 2 through 12.

The program was created when the camp was founded in 1968, and to date has enabled more than 1,000 students to attend Usdan and pursue their passion for music.

Business leaders and those with ties to Long Island have helped make the scholarships possible. They include Marilyn and Russell Abanese, Horace & Amy Hagedorn Fund of Long Island Community Foundation, UJA-Federation of New York, Eva and John Usdan, Joy and John Racanelli, Suffolk Transportation Services and many others.

“I am thrilled to be able to once again offer this scholarship opportunity to young musicians,” Usdan Executive Director Lauren Brandt Schloss said in a news release about the merit scholarship program.

“Our welcoming, inclusive community provides a one-of-a-kind, nurturing environment for students to hone their musicianship under the guidance of some of the best professional musicians, conductors, and educators, amidst the beauty of Usdan’s surrounding woodland campus,” she added.

Usdan’s “low student-to-staff ratio of 4:1 and daily live performances at our state-of-the-art McKinley Amphitheater allow young artists to truly immerse themselves in their craft over the course of our four- and eight-week programs,” Schloss said. “I encourage any young musician to apply.

Applicants can submit a brief application with a letter of recommendation and complete an audition, either live on campus or virtually. Pre-recorded auditions will also be accepted, though live auditions are preferred. Students must have at least one year of experience playing their instrument and must be able to read sheet music. Applications close May 24. Applicants will be notified of their results on a rolling basis, and no more than three weeks after their audition.

Award amounts will vary from 10-95% of tuition and can be applied towards Usdan’s 4- or 8-week classic program taking place between July 1 and Aug. 23. Bus transportation from New York City and Long Island is included with tuition.

In addition to a major, students can choose a minor from classes that include visual art, dance, theater, and creative writing. The camp day also includes a one-period recreational activity.

Complete application requirements and guidelines for the merit scholarship can be found here