Exciting news! The PS22 Chorus of 2011 will be giving an encore performance at the 2011 Newport Folk Festival in Rhode Island on July 30th! It is truly an honor to be asked to play at this historic and prestigious event with so many amazing co-headlining acts, including Elvis Costello, The Decemberists, Mavis Staples, Gillian Welch, EmmyLou Harris, and even one of the chorus's most amazing recent collaborators and friends, The Freelance Whales! So many more fantastic artists will be appearing as well, and we're proud to be featured among them. Check out the entire incredible artist lineup scheduled to appear over the course of the 2 day festival, and visit the PS22 Chorus's page here. Hope to see you all in Rhode Island!!
The PS22 Chorus of 2011 just had a great shoot with NELA Films for the classic PBS show, Sesame Street! We can't say too much about it yet, but it is set to air sometime this fall! You may recall that several years back the PS22 Chorus appeared in several episodes of the new Electric Company, and while they looked great, adding their patented charm and charisma to the show, they did not sing. On Sesame Street however, you will get to see the kids showcase all of their talent! Stay tuned for something very special....
Check out this heart-warming video from members of the PS22 Chorus of 2011, reminiscing on this phenomenal year. The kids truly speak with a wisdom beyond their years...
On Tuesday, June 28th, the PS22 Chorus of 2011 said its 'last goodbye' as the school year came to a close. It was a day filled with emotions that run the gamut, but despite the difficult send-off, the resounding feeling was pride in the accomplishments of an amazing year. The chorus sang their way out with a Mr. B original called, "Siren Song." It was difficult to get through, but it was a moment with this year's chorus that I'll never forget.
Just a week earlier, the kids received their diplomas at their graduation ceremony at Staten Island's historic St. George Theater. The chorus sang their way out with "Rolling in the Deep" by Adele, and the entire graduating fifth grade class joined in on an exuberant version of "Marching On" by OneRepublic. Extra special congrats to chorus member Cheyenne, who delivered the valedictorian speech, which was definitely a major highlight of the ceremony. You can see it at the end of the "Marching On" video below...
It's going to be an adjustment (as it always is) starting all over again with a brand new group of kids, but the 2011 group's legacy will live on. It's always hard saying goodbye, but it helps to know we'll be able to relive the collection of memories of a lifetime the kids have earned for themselves throughout the course of this school year just by visiting the blog. Kids, in the immortal words of Julius Caesar, "You came, you saw, you conquered." Hold on to these moments and let them serve as a source of strength and inspiration in the future to remind you that, indeed, ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE! We love you, believe in you, and will miss you terribly...
Stay tuned throughout the summer for some "extras" from this amazing year -- including improvs, solo performances, guest appearances from some of our favorite alumni, and even a couple of extra performances from the full group with some special guests. The chorus will even be regrouping on July 30th for a special public appearance which we'll elaborate upon VERY soon. So stay tuned!!
On Monday, June 27, the PS22 Chorus of 2011 gave their final performance of the school year at the Trevor Project's Live Gala at The Capitale in Manhattan! It was an honor to perform for such a worthy cause, and the kids were at the top of their game, receiving two well deserved standing ovations for the two songs they performed! You can check out the performance below, including the wonderful introduction from our old friend (and fellow Webby Award winner), Amy Poehler!
In addition to contributing to the wonderful efforts of The Trevor Project, the kids also got to spend a little time with Harry Potter himself, Daniel Radcliffe, who was being honored that evening!
Thanks to Ms. Lisa for the great video (and for standing your ground with the security guard!), and Victor Breinberg (pops) for the fantastic pics on this post. (More below.) Lastly thanks to the Trevor Project for having us, and for the truly important work you do.
And be sure to vote in our new July poll which asks you to weigh in on your favorite PS22 Chorus of 2011 collaboration! Be an educated voter, and check out all the nominees below!
