October 2023

In the midst of a challenging fall marked by the tragic bus accident involving the Farmingdale marching band, the passing of Elaine Gates, and the war between Israel and Hamas, we acknowledge these events bear weight on all of us. While students are on campus only for the summer, the staff of Usdan is here for our community all year round. We extend our gratitude to everyone who has reached out during these tumultuous times and please keep doing so. 

Creating art is a cathartic journey, especially when the news feels overwhelming and weighs heavily on our collective heart. The world needs art right now.

Usdan aims to be a source of artistic inspiration and joy, and to inspire creative contribution. For that reason we are sharing the wonderful work done by members of our community. From a celebration of the life and work of former faculty member Elaine Gates, to the recent performances of Artists in Residence The Knights (2020-23) and Superhero Clubhouse (2022-24), and inspirational alum Hannah Berson, to scholarship recipients, to commemorating 55 remarkable years of Usdan, we enter November grateful for you, our wonderful community.

ELAINE GATES: AN APPRECIATION

1928 - 2023

Written by Dale Lewis, Executive Director of Usdan, 1984-2015

Elaine Gates conducting Junior Vocal Ensemble

Elaine Gates was a music educator of exceptional talent, one who inspired her students to experience life changing moments in the studio and on stage. In her long career as conductor of Usdan’s Junior Chorus, and later our Discovery Chorus, Elaine presented beautiful concerts and iconic musicals. Each of these shows was eagerly anticipated by her students, many of whom demanded that their parents call us during the winter to find out the title of that season’s show. (Title always withheld.) Elaine’s midseason choral concerts were equally memorable. Whether singing a heartfelt anthem or a whimsical song of hats, canes, or gloves, Elaine’s chorus was one of our signature ensembles. And when the stage lights at “The Assembly” came alive to signal each season’s final performance, our Founding Director, Andrew McKinley, strode onto the stage to introduce the show: “I present to you”, he boomed, “The world’s Greatest, and Largest, light opera company.” Later, when we added the Discovery program (with Elaine’s daughters and granddaughters, the stars of its faculty) Elaine took to the task with her characteristic energy and enthusiasm. Those little voices rang out with authority as five, six and seven-year-olds presented performances some might only have expected of much older children. The concerts and shows were memorable, of course, but it was Elaine’s marriage to fellow faculty member Henry Gates, conductor of our bands, that brought her life’s greatest joy. And as she and Henry prepared to go home after the ever-triumphant final day’s musical, I would ask Elaine which show she had in mind for the following season. Ever coy, she never missed a beat: “You’ll see.”

Dale Lewis, Executive Director of Usdan 1984-2015

October 11, 2023

Usdan is celebrating our 55th Anniversary year! Thanks to generous donor and 2023 Usdan Community Award recipient, Jeff Schoenfeld, all donations will be matched dollar for dollar up to $55,000 through December 31, 2023.

Support the arts by donating $55 today to help Usdan educate and inspire the next generation of artists. Your gift provides young people with access to the arts, a safe space for creative expression, and a source of hope and positivity. To learn more and make a donation, click the button below.

Thank U!