PS22 Receives Award from WTC Museum!

PS22 was honored today at Tribute WTC, The World Trade Center Museum, for our September 11th video project, "The Conference", where excerpts of the film and quotes from PS22 students are prominently featured in its new children's exhibit. It was a wonderful honor to have the hard work that was put into the film recognized by such a prestigious organization. If you would like to see excerpts from the film, click here, but we encourage you to go down and see the museum for yourself. It is truly an awe-inspiring place, whose foundation is based on heart and soul. We thank Lee, Meri, Jennifer, Wendy, Caroline, and everyone at Tribute for including us and acknowledging P.S.22's efforts to take September 11th back from the terrorists.

Below is a lovely write-up about the awards ceremony that was featured in Saturday's edition of the Staten Island Advance

Drum Roll Please.... The 2006-7 Chorus MP3s!!!

The "Dragon" Chorus Posse remix video!


Okay, I finally got around to uploading these, and just finished getting them ready for public consumption! Unfortunately we had some technical problems while recording so we lost a few songs. But the ones that survived came out great! So here they are, the PS22 Chorus 2006-7 recordings!

(Left click on the links to play)

PS22 Chorus -- Bouncing Off Clouds (by Tori Amos)

"........clou-ou-ouds"

PS22 Chorus -- Change Is Gonna Come (by Sam Cooke)
Soloist: Justin

Justin meets American Idol finalist George Huff when he sings "Change..." at prestigious MLK ceremony in Albany.

PS22 Chorus -- Dragon (by Tori Amos)

Dragon mural behind Mr. B was done by his bro, Jamey!

PS22 Chorus -- Father's Son (by Tori Amos)
Soloist 1: Breana
Soloist 2: Leslie

Breana and Leslie -- The amazing soloists on "Father's Son!"

PS22 Chorus -- (De Bat) Fly In Me Face (original version by Carly Simon)
Soloist: Jestahjosh

"Now how can I get the beast to nosh on Eric instead...."

PS22 Chorus -- The Happy Worker (from the 'Toys' soundtrack)

Marissa & Jessica! Two of 22's happiest workers!

PS22 Chorus -- I Haven't Seen This Day Before (by The Innocence Mission)
Soloist: Justin
Background Vocals: Breana, Ashley, Ziha, and Chaylene

**This was one of the songs that was unfortunately ruined during the recording. The full chorus did a beautiful live version of this song. I will look to see if I can find video footage of the chorus version. In the meantime, Justin & the "chorus coaches"' version should appease!**


PS22 Chorus -- I Will Survive (by Gloria Gaynor)
Soloist: Eric
or will he?

PS22 Chorus -- Keep On Going (by Justin Rolon & Mr. B)

Soloist 1: Dario
Soloist 2: Jordan

Dario & Jordan

PS22 Chorus -- La Primera Navidad (The First Noel)
Duet: Justin & Malik

**Unfortunately we never recorded this song at Christmas time but it's one of my favorites! Ziha did an absolutely beautiful job on the solo too. Here is another great version by Justin and Malik!**

PS22 Chorus -- Ode To My Clothes (by Tori Amos)
Soloist: Justin

**This was another one of the songs that unfortunately didn't come out on the recording. Chaylene sang the solo so beautifully too, so if you want to see her and the full chorus's version you can find the video in the December 2006 archives!**


PS22 Chorus -- When I Think Of You (by Justin Rolon, Ben Tucker, & Mr. B)
Duet: Chaylene & Eric

Supersweet Chaylene!

PS22 Chorus -- You Raise Me Up (by Josh Groban)
Soloist: Mariama

Mariama! Girl can saaaaaAAAAANG!

Justin -- I Wonder as I Wander (from 4th grade, 2005)

Justin -- amazing AND wacky! Multi-talented indeed!

And a special bonus

(in honor of Tori's birthday today)

**These are home-made remixes that I made with Tori's songs combined with the 22 versions. I think they both came out rather wonderfully, particularly Father's Son. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TORI, and thanks for the music and memories that will last a lifetime and beyond!**

Tori Amos with PS22 -- Dragon (The 22 Posse Remix)

Tori Amos with PS22 -- Father's Son (The 22 Posse Remix)

See The PS22 Chorus video for 'Purple People'

This is one of my all-time favorite chorus covers. The song is "Purple People" by Tori Amos. Since I didn't have any video footage of the chorus performing this one (bad Mr. B, very bad!), I decided to make a video for it. Enjoy!

7 Years And 500,000 Viewings of PS22 Chorus Videos And Counting....

Congrats to all of the PS22 Chorus members throughout the years!! You have achieved over 500,000 viewings of your videos!!! INCREDIBLE!!! Keep singing and inspiring! The world is listening!

The Chorus Of 2006-7

The Chorus of 2005-6

The Chorus of 2004-5

The Chorus of 2003-4

The Chorus of 2002-3

The Chorus of 2001-2

The Chorus of 2000-2001

The New Tribute WTC Exhibit Is Greeted With Enthusiasm!

Mrs. Burns (l), Mr. Breinberg, and Mrs. Johnson (r) at the opening of the new exhibit in TRIBUTE WTC, the World Trade Center Museum in Manhattan.

Last night's opening reception at The Tribute WTC museum was a tremendously powerful experience for all who attended. We were extremely gratified to hear today from one of the museum's curators, Meriam Lobel, who said that she has already begun receiving glowing responses about the new exhibit, one which prominently features video excerpts and written quotes from PS22's September 11th film from 2002. Thanks to Meri, Caroline, Lee, and everyone at the museum for everything, including the pics you see above and below. Most importantly, we thank them for taking this project, one in which we had so much of ourselves emotionally invested, completely seriously. We are overwhelmed by the museum presenting us the huge honor of having it exhibited for 100's of thousands to see. We are humbled and awed. So make sure to read the previous post for more information about the museum, it's location, and PS22's contribution to this remarkable exhibit.

The New World Trade Center Museum Exhibit Opens Tomorrow, Featuring Excerpts From The PS22 Film, "The Conference"

Several months ago we posted about having been contacted by Tribute WTC 9/11 Visitor Center, asking permission to use excerpts from PS22's 2002 documentary/film focusing on September 11th, in their upcoming exhibit. (You can see that post here: PS22 Chorus: World Trade Center Museum Is Interested In P.S.22's September 11th Docu-drama For Possible Exhibition.) We are proud to announce that tomorrow evening from 6:00 - 8:00 PM will be the reception celebrating the opening new exhibit that does indeed feature video excerpts and written quotes from our video. It formally opens to the public on Wednesday, and will close on January 18th (despite the incorrect closing date printed on the invitation below).

The theme of the new exhibit is children's responses to the events of September 11th. The museum will be incorporating footage from all 3 components of PS22's film entry (documentary, scripted acting, and choral selections). We are honored and humbled with regard to our inclusion in this extremely special exhibit, and any and all are invited to attend. The above pic and the following info is from the invitation we received from WTC Tribute:

(Click to enlarge)

We hope that you will be able to come down and witness the loving care and hard work the museum has put into its new exhibit. Our previous visit to the museum was a breathtaking, deeply emotional experience -- and we encourage you to come down and see for yourself. We assure you it will be a moving experience that you will never forget.

Congratulations to all the PS22 students involved in the making of the movie, on achieving a place in history. If you would like to see some excerpts from our September 11th movie, click on the following link: PS22 Chorus: Excerpts from "The Conference", PS22's award-winning September 11th Movie

Tori Amos Mentions The PS22 Chorus in New Interview!!

Martin Jan Stepanek, the amazing writer who wrote such a great article last month about the PS22 Chorus for the German/Austrian press, had the distinct privilege of sitting down with Tori Amos for a half hour interview last week! Apparently he was so taken with the chorus that he even included them in his discussion with Tori!!! The following is an excerpt from the interview where they discuss the Sony Atrium experience the chorus had with Tori in May.

(Click to enlarge)

Martin was kind enough to e-mail me to let me know about the interview. He also said that her beautiful words don't convey the depth of emotion Tori showed when he brought up the chorus during their conversation. In the e-mail, he told me, "The written answer maybe doesn't sound so spectacular, but the first five seconds, after I posed the question and where she didn't say anything, kinda said it all!!!" Pretty amazing!

The chorus and I thank Martin for all of his support from overseas! If you in turn would like to support Martin (as he has supported us), and if you would like to see the article as it appears in the German news distibutor, click on the following link:

"iPod-Hören ist wie Wein aus Plastikbechern trinken" - pressetext.austria

Again, big BIG thanks to Martin and Tori, and congratulations to the chorus, who've obviously made their impression on one of the most extraordinary musicians/human beings on the planet!!

THE TOP 11 PS22 CHORUS VIDEOS!! Happy 4th!!

Just for fun......

To celebrate July 4th chorus-style, check out the TOP 11 most viewed PS22 Chorus videos on the internet. If your choice isn't up here, well..... KEEP WATCHING IT OVER AND OVER, AND DON'T EAT OR SLEEP UNTIL IT'S #1.... I'm kidding, kids. Please don't try this at home. ;) I think the videos that seemed to go "viral" are great, but there are many personal favorites not on this list. There are many that are -- starting with....

....#11

Academy Award Winner MARCIA GAY HARDEN sings her praises to the chorus, AND teaches Justin a lesson!


VIEWS: 9,224


....#10

Tori's Not The Red Baron, sung to utter perfection by DAVID in 2003!


VIEWS: 10,119


....#9

The Chorus of 2006 featuring the always-astounding JUSTIN singing Lift Every Voice & Sing!


VIEWS: 11,973


....#8

The entire Graduating Class of 2001 sings TWINKLE by TORI AMOS, poignantly.


VIEWS: 13,699


....#7

Highlights from the PS22 2003 American Idol Auditions!!


VIEWS: 15,076


....#6

The PS22 Chorus of 2005 featuring the unbelievable voice of BEN sings NOW BEHOLD THE LAMB by KIRK FRANKLIN


VIEWS: 16,981


....#5

The PS22 Chorus of 2003 featuring Noshavyah and Corey sings a powerful version of WINTER by TORI AMOS!


VIEWS: 17,049


....#4

JUSTIN sings his heart out at the MLK Ceremony in Albany New York! American Idol Finalist George Huff has some high praise for Justin at the end of the video.


VIEWS: 19,290


....#3

PS22 CHORUS of 2007 sings FATHER'S SON by TORI AMOS with the multi-platinum artist herself at the SONY Atrium in NYC!!!!


VIEWS: 23,314


....#2

PS22 CHORUS of 2004 sings Esa Enai for Chanukah as Dritan does his legendary Latkes rap!



VIEWS: 45,580


AND.......


FINALLY........

THE #1 MOST WATCHED PS22 CHORUS VIDEO IS..........


DRUMROLL PLEASE.......











awkward silence courtesy of Tariq, the Rab-beast........













THE PS22 CHORUS of 2007 sings DRAGON for the song's composer, TORI AMOS, and moves her to tears!



VIEWS: 79,907

All together, the PS22 Chorus has reached across the globe to earn over 461,000 viewings of its videos worldwide!! AMAZING!!!! We'll have to plan a reunion party or something for when we reach 1,000,000! With an average of over 1000 PS22 Chorus videos being watched daily, you'd better start thinking about what you're going to wear....

Happy July 4th!!

A Message To My Chorus of 2006-7......

To My Chorus,

I've been sitting here looking over the blog tonight, watching, listening, and reading some of your comments. And I needed to post this farewell message to you. You are, as it says in the blog description, "extraordinary little people." (Jordan, not so little, but just as extraordinary! Just stop growing kid -- it's getting me annoyed....) I'm watching the videos, and I am filled with pride to behold your magnificence as you shine your brightest! I've been blessed this year with a group that really understood the magic of the music. You've been such a pleasure to work with. You're so incredibly talented!!!

But I know you guys understand that you don't sound like you do simply because of your extreme talent. It was through hard work, dedication, and the respect you showed to the music. Most importantly, it was heart and soul -- of which you have demonstrated time and time again that you have more than I would have ever thought humanly possible! And you have become my second family.

It's not easy for 65 individuals to merge into 1 powerful voice. But you did. And look what has happened!! The results of your hard work have earned you international attention and acclaim!! You don't know how many requests from all over the world I've received for a PS22 Chorus CD! You've been a featured news item in major media such as USA TODAY, VH1, and The DAILY NEWS! You sang with a Latin Grammy-nominated artist, LENA! You were invited to sing by Academy Award winner MARCIA GAY HARDEN at her HOUSE!!! You sang for and with the internationally famous and respected (and, as you know, my favorite) musician who has sold millions of CDs, TORI AMOS!!! You made her cry with your soulful singing.

Tyrell, I'll never forget when you said on the bus ride home from the Tori Amos trip, after saying that it was the best day of your life. You said to me, "....and seeing you -- I thought you were going to faint." You made me understand that a large part of your joy that day, aside from meeting the incredible Tori, was you taking pleasure in witnessing my pleasure, understanding how much this meant to me personally. And I know the rest of you felt the same. This may surprise you chorus, but that brought me my greatest happiness that day. The generosity of spirit is what touches me and what I will miss most about this chorus.

Zaudita, neither will I forget what you said about Tori taking time out to meet with us on that same bus ride. You said, "nobody in the world would do that for kids like us." Dita, you and all the chorus have inspired so many. Kids like you are what gives the world hope for a better tomorrow. You guys really have no idea how special you are. I suppose modesty is a large part of your appeal to all who are lucky enough to see/hear you perform, but I need you to know that you are some of the most amazing human beings I've ever come across -- big or small. You have made me so proud and have allowed me to share in experiences that will be memories that will last forever-- memories enough for a lifetime, and only in one short year.

Remember when times get tough, as times can get tough (I know you are all wise enough to know this) -- you have a gift, a power. Drawing on that power can get you through anything. Never forget that. Making music has gotten me through some of the toughest times of my life. The music you made has touched so many lives already, and your lives are only just beginning. Nothing's better in this world than bringing happiness to people. You've brought so much of it to so many, and will continue to bring more to many more through the blog. That's what this chorus thing is all about. You've been blessed and have been a blessing to others, to the community, to your families, and certainly to me. Understand your power. Take pride in it, but use it wisely and charitably. Continue to brighten lives and make your beautiful music sing its way into the heart of the world.

So thank you chorus. I will miss you so much...... even you Isaiah. ;)

Love & Respect To The Best Chorus There Ever Was,
Mr. B

P.S. Keep checking the blog, guys! I'll be posting the audio recordings we did last week very soon -- including the Tori Amos duets!!! As you know, THEY SOUND GREAT!!!!!!!

The End Of An Era...... The PS22 5th Grade Final Assembly Of 2007

It was an especially emotional graduation this year, saying goodbye to this fifth grade graduating class. The students at P.S.22 have had so many accomplishments throughout the years, but this was indeed a standout group of kids. We will miss them immensely.

And the emotionalism of the day was compounded by the fact that we are also saying goodbye to our dynamic principal, Mrs. Karina Costantino, who is moving on to become a district superintendent in Brooklyn.

The chorus and I are particularly sad to see Mrs. Costantino leave, because she has been an ardent supporter of the arts, and the chorus's self-proclaimed #1 fan. It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to Mrs. Costantino, but we know she will go on to do more good for the community, only now on a much larger scale. We know she will be met with the same love and respect in her new position that she has earned for herself as principal of P.S.22.


But the mood wasn't all somber. In addition to being a time of reflection, this year's graduation also proved to be a joyous celebration of accomplishments!

The PS22 chorus provided 2 upbeat farewell numbers that would leave everybody "Bouncing Off Clouds!" Eric and the chorus also reminded us that even though big changes are to come, "I Will Survive!"

We also had the pleasure of welcoming back Jasmine, our distinguished graduate, who left P.S.22 only 5 years ago to become the president and C.E.O. of her own line of all-natural hair and skin products, EDEN Bodyworks! Jasmine has appeared on Oprah, Donny Deutch, and Nightline, as one of the most prominent in a new wave of young entrepeneurs in America! You can check out Jasmine's unbelievable accomplishment in establishing her vision, as well as her appearances on the aforementioned television shows on her website, Eden Bodyworks. We thank Jasmine for attending this year's final assembly, and for giving our graduates a speech that was truly inspiring. We were also duly honored to hear that she attributes much of her success to some core values she learned at P.S.22. Jasmine, you are a wonderful role model to all -- we are so proud of you.



Then it was time for the entire 5th grade class to sing their graduation songs. First, Tyrell rocked the house with his rendition of the P.S.22 rap! His upbeat performance had the whole audience clapping along joyfully!



Chaylene and Zaudita made a beautiful speech, dedicating our farewell song, Josh Groban's "You Raise Me Up", to Mrs. Costantino. Mariama belted out the solo and moved everyone to tears and thunderous applause.

CONGRATS TO THE CHORUS, MRS. COSTANTINO, AND TO ALL OF THIS YEAR'S 5th GRADE GRADUATES!!

PS22 CHORUS Featured on Babble.com, "the magazine and community for the urban and new urban parent"

The chorus teacher who sang with Tori Amos: a Babble.com interview.

The link above will take you to a beautifully written article/interview by one of the many new fans of the PS22 CHORUS, Gwynne Watkins from the amazing site, BABBLE.COM. It's a magazine/site for new and urban parents. We thank Gwynne and Babble.com for giving our kids even more well-deserved exposure and cyber-attention. And the chorus and I particularly thank you for capturing the "soul" of the chorus. (AND I'm sure Mrs. B (my mom) will also very much appreciate "the chorus teacher with a killer smile" remark..... Okay, I admit, I liked it too.... :) AND NO COMMENTS TYRELL!!!!!!)

The 22 Chorus Blog Hits Another Milestone!

Today our website received it's 25,000th visitor!! We've come a long way since we started the blog in September! Congrats, posse!! People all over the world are taking notice!