Well yesterday was a dream come true. I'm not ashamed to say it may well have been the most amazing day of my life -- and I think my chorus feels the same! I'm sure it is quite obvious by the abundance of her songs on our blog, Tori Amos plays quite a big part in our repertoire. Well thanks to the talent, dedication, and hard work of our chorus, they earned themselves the opportunity of a lifetime. After seeing some of the videos of the chorus (that are posted on our blog), Tori not only agreed, but insisted on meeting the most talented kids in the world at the Sony Atrium in New York City! She even insisted on singing WITH them!!
As you will hear from the mouths of the children themselves, this was an unforgettable experience for all involved -- and certainly the music teacher!! It was such a blessing for me personally to be able to share my pride and joy (the chorus) with my own personal hero and inspiration.
Tori, the children and I are so grateful for your time, as we all know you are VERY busy promoting your amazing new album. We wish you all the success you deserve and thank you with all our hearts for what you've given us -- the memory of a lifetime. It was so gratifying to see that we touched your heart the way you've touched ours.
Thank you to the people at SONY (Kristen, Lois, & Sarah) for arranging this cataclysmic union between two of the greatest musical talents out there -- Tori Amos and The PS22 Chorus!
Now go watch the festivities!!
The PS22 Chorus make Tori cry!! (We are inclined to think in a good way....)
Tori sings an acoustic guitar version of "Father's Son" with the chorus! Her voice is 'liquid diamonds' here.
Pics, signing, fainting....
Fainting, cheering, dreams come true, obligatory Sanjaya-hating by Mariama, and Tori-lovin'!
Some reflections from the chorus on our unforgettable day (and some Sanjaya hating from Mariama!).... And to my chorus members who are reading this, I am so proud of how wise you are in understanding the depth of the gift we've been given. Heck, I'm just so proud of you!!
UPDATE 5/5/07 (More pics)
Tori Protected by the Sopranos.....
Mariama: "Tori can SING!" And Tyrell (our local paparazzi!) taking a break from snapping pics of Tori on his cell phone!
Talented AND Beautiful!
"Repeat After Me...."
Tori Gets Down To The Music
"My Chorus Is Laughing At Me, Tori...."
It's A Happy Day
The altos singing their hearts out for Tori!
Tori Amos delighted to have met The PS22 Chorus Posse!
Tori applauding a job well done!! ThE cHoRuS rOckS!
Tori Protected by the Sopranos.....
Mariama: "Tori can SING!" And Tyrell (our local paparazzi!) taking a break from snapping pics of Tori on his cell phone!
Talented AND Beautiful!
"Repeat After Me...."
Tori Gets Down To The Music
"My Chorus Is Laughing At Me, Tori...."
It's A Happy Day
The altos singing their hearts out for Tori!
Tori Amos delighted to have met The PS22 Chorus Posse!
Tori applauding a job well done!! ThE cHoRuS rOckS!
UPDATE: There is much more posted throughout the blog on the aftermath of our Tori Amos adventure, including pics, autographs, write-ups in The New York Daily News, USA Today, VH1 Blog, and much more. Tori herself has since mentioned the chorus in interviews (the quotes at the top left of the page on the sidebar), and those articles can also be found on the blog if you look in the May, June, and July 2007 archives.
62 comments:
amazing!!! thanx for sharing
greetz from germany. amway101
GORGEOUS pictures!!!
Keep doing what you are doing!!! It's amazing! Tori is one of my all time favorites. My 3 year old daughter loves watching your choir sing. Fantastic!!!!!!!!!
OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!! MR. B THAT WAS AMAZING. WE SOUNDED SO GREAT!!! SO DID TORI AMOS. I'M SO PROUD OF MY SELF. I BET THE CHORUS SHOULD BE TO. BEST TRIP EVER.
YOUR PAL ISAIAH
Isaiah -- this was an amazing thing that we were all blessed to be a part of. We fed off Tori's good energy and she fed off ours. It was a rare moment and something more special than I think either one of us realize. And Isaiah, I think what you said on the bus video was so powerful. I'm hearing from a TON (and I mean a TON) of Tori Amos fans who were so impressed how you guys expressed your thoughts about Tori. We're making EVERYBODY cry on the internet today! I LOVE IT!
CONGRATS ISAIAH! YOU ROCKED IT YESTERDAY, BOSS!
Hi Mr. B & PS22 Chorus!
This is a post from Mexico City. A friend sent me your You Tube video with Tori (I'm also a fan!) and it was sooo fantastic and touching to see you perform with your hearts and to see her so happy and moved.
CONGRATULATIONS!!! Keep it up!!
You're doing fantastic and who knows.. maybe you can do a gig with her at one of her shows!
Please keep me posted, it would be great!!! I don't have any doubt!
Again congrats ,
Marcela O A (Mexico City)
www.myspace.com/poeticasaudadefadobelem
The meeting was a well deserved reward for all the hard work (yours and the kids').
congrats on the amazing singing & guitar playing
The pics are beautiful and the videos made me teary eyed
Deb77 (from the afterglow)
Oh thank you SO much. That was just so precious. Made me cry. What a wonderful work you do.
Those kids are very very cute, talented, and must be so smart. It seems like they really do know how amazing that experiance was. Im sure you all & Tori will keep that moment in your hearts always. *Tori Love and hugs* from Phoenix
WOW!!!!!!!!!!! Friday was awsome!!!!!
I thougt that we did a good job!!
Everyone should have been proud of themselfs when we got to sing with Tori Amos
signed chorus member,
Lamarana
Indeed! You were AWESOME and look at Tori Amos' face when you sang Dragon..... See how our hard work paid off?? I'm so proud of you!
:)
Mr. B. YOU are amazing with the kids!!!!! I watched it for Tori and the cute kids, but was even more touched by how incredible you are with the children! The way you speak to them is very inspiring! Yay for you!
And yes, I cried when the kids sang too! And then saw Tori crying!
mr. b - I am yet another EWF internet crier.
Tori's music is never easy to arrange, so I am doubly impressed that you navigate it so easily on guitar and piano, and that the choir sounds so lovely singing it.
I hope you'll be doing an official recording of "Dragon" before the school year is out - it's beautiful!
(and, since some of them read your blog...)
PS22 Chorus - You are all so very talented and AWESOME! I would have been too nervous to sing in front of Tori. You should be very proud of yourselves - I can't wait to hear more of your music.
Add me as another Tori fan who cried while watching this. ;)
I am so happy for you and your students. I always knew that Tori was an incredibly sweet and giving person as well as an amazing musician, but what she did for you all just proved even more just HOW sweet and giving she is. Your students are so talented and I've really enjoyed listening to your interpretations of her songs.
I never post anything-ever- (always lurking) but I was so moved by this performance of the PS22 chorus and Tori- that I had to break my rule. This was just so beautiful and moving. I am so touched. When I'm having a gloomy day I will close my eyes and think of you all, because I know this will always make me smile. Just lovely!
Hi, Mr. B and all of kids!
Your voices are amazing! "Dragon" is awesome! I cried... Keep singing and please, show us more. Because all of you really can. And because you are in love with Tori. Thank you very much for your job!
With all my heart,
sveta {another_pilot}
Russia, Moscow.
Hey kids,
just wanted to tell you that each one of you is nothing but amazing. I am writing this from Germany, so you can see how far your art has reached. Tori Amos is a great singer, but what was really special was watching you guys. I am so happy to see you, because with children like you, the world will become a better place for all of us someday. thank you and never forget what strength lies within you!
Are you still excited Mr. B.
What you're doing is really extraordinairy, Mr. B. You're amazing!
That was so great I can't beleive we sang with TORI AMOS !Seeing her cry was amazing It was so cool knowing that a celebertie was inspired by us !.She's so bueatiful ! I luv u TORI ! Thankz Mr.b From {chorus member } Ridmila
I discovered the PS22 chorus a few days before y'all met Tori, and then it was such a pleasure to watch those vids. I cried pretty much throughout all of them, but especially when I saw Tori crying. How moving, and what a wonderful moment for you and the choir. Your choir is amazing and has reminded me of what I love about singing. Thank you; I'll watch the PS22 vids when I need to be inspired.
hi mr b! Today will be an unforgetable day, and when i'm in the Daily News, BELIEVE ME I will cry! Of course,tears of joy.
;) :) from,the prince, Eric
What a special teacher, what special children & what a special, special day. You guys made Tori cry! Way to go, kids! *high fives* :)
PS22 Chorus:
You kids sounded wonderful! I am so glad that you were able to have and appreciate this fabulous opportunity.
Mr. B:
The world needs more teachers like you. You are great with the kids!
omg that was amazingggggggggggg, i was not a huge fan of tori UNTILL NOW she's awesome and the kids wow soooo precious, and i think what you're doing with them is brilliant you seem like you actually really care and love these children, its good to have a good role model ...i was just taken away by thier voice.
I almost cried
It was beautiful, just wow
Hi kids...I have been one of your biggest fans for quite a while and was so blown away by this whole experience!!!! I am so glad it was documented so well - it shows such love and true passion from all of you. Thank you all for giving all Tori fans such a wonderful gift - make sure you give Mr. B an extra super big high five on Monday for being such an amazing teacher!
Keep it up,
Val (hi G, it's PV heehee)
I just wanted to take a second and let the whole Chorus, including Mr. B know how amazing you are! I am writing from Canada and work with a national youth organization - we are always looking for real leadership in young people - those young people who are getting engaged and involved in their schools and communities to create change - we would love to profile you some day on our site at tgmag.ca and our magazine! You are all just wonderful. Real stars! I am a believer in the importance of 'cool' experiences for youth - and am so glad that you all had that cool experience - thanks for sharing it w/ the world and helping to encourage other young people to get involved!
Great job!
Pytor
I've been watching the chorus performing Tori songs for quite a while now and I'm glad that you, Mr. B, told us Tori fans about them! :) What you and the kids are doing is absolutely fantastic!!! :) You all SO deserved to meet and sing with Tori! I was moved to tears watching the videos of Tori Day. I was blown away by what you kids were saying about Tori and how much you love her! I wish more kids of your age would get into her and I think it's great that Mr.B introduced you to her work! :) You are all so incredibly musical and as someone who's been playing music since the age of 3 and singing in choirs since primary school, I really really enjoy watching you all sing! It reminds me of when I was your age! (I just wish my school choir and my teacher would have been that cool!!) Keep up the great work everyone, you have every reason to be VERY proud of yourself! I'm writing to you from Germany and I also know a lot of Tori fans from the UK and Ireland who are big fans of you!! :) ROCK ON!!!
Congratulations, and thanks for sharing. I know you were losing your mind leading up to and during that, but now, you get to reflect on it for a long time.
Keep up the great work--all of you.
You guys did a great job. You all rock!
Wow, this was really inspirational.
You know, ever since I turned 30 a year ago, Tori has become more of a staple in my life than she was in my 20s. I don't know what to attribute it to, but her new album has lodged itself in my heart, literally a DAY after its' net release, and it mirrors so much of what I thought about the world, life, political upheaval, relationships - all of it.
It seems that whenever I have a situation or mind-set in my life at a certain time - Tori's music comes out right in time and mirrors exactly that. I've never met her, but there is such a strong connection.
Gregg, once again thanks so much for this - your kids are beyond talented, and lets hope they remember Tori once they graduate out of this class.... I especially loved the commentary of that little African American girl in Part 3 - it is exactly what I woulda said at that age!
I moved to India from Toronto in 2004 and there is literally no one here who has heard of Tori Amos, so things like this only help me realize how precious a person she is.
Thanks Gregg. Much love, Kabir
Join me on Myspace - http://myspace.com/kabitat
kabitat@gmail.com
you were right mr b the chorus does get a lot of exciting things next year
-king ben
THIS WAS THE BEST TRIP EVER!!!!!!!!
Mr. B and the 22 Chorus - as a long time Tori fan I must say I am absolutely IMPRESSED with you guys - your voices are amazing, and your hard work is certainly paying off. Tori is an amazing woman and I am SO jealous that you got to meet her AND sing for her/with her! I will make your blog and your postings on YouTube a regular stop from now on, you are incredible! And Mr. B - you are an amazing teacher. It is so heartwarming to see you working so hard with the kids and you look like you are so proud and having so much fun with them as well. All teachers need to take a lesson or two from you.
I wish you all the best!!
Sharon
jordan is really funny !!!!!
I started crying while watching this.. What a great teacher you are!! I only hope to do something like this for my students.. even though I am art.. lol.. I love tori also.. :)
-Laura from Bay Shore High School
Mr B, you're amazing and the kids are lucky to have you, but I'm sure you feel even more blessed to have them!
How wonderful to perform for Tori too. She's inspired me too for the last 15 years.
From one teacher to another - congrats and keep up the fabulous work.
From Auckland, New Zealand
Mr E (yes, that is what my kids call me)
PS22 Chorus rocks! You guys were amazing! Plus, you all are hilarious too. You need your own music and comedy show, for real. You guys are lucky to have such a great music teacher!
When I heard the ADP version of Dragon it never really stood out for me. But then I saw your clip on You Tube of PS22 singing it to Tori and I was blown away. You guys are amazing. Your version of the song is so sweet and melancholy. After I heard your version of it I really fell in love with the beauty of Dragon. Well Done!
What an incredible video. So heartwarming. You guys sound great, too!
And I concur: the world certainly needs more teachers like you, Mr. B-- music or otherwise. You should be so proud. Keep up the fantastic work!
If ever a school considers cutting their music program, they really should take a look at PS22. The benefits appear to be immeasureable.
ever since i saw your video of PS22 singing "Carbon" (where i first cried my eyes out) i thought "wouldn't that be awesome if someday Tori saw them online and then met them and got to hear them sing in person?
i'm so happy that the wish came true for you.
PS22 and Mr. B...YOU GUYS are an inspiration to us all. *hugs*
This is so touching, just amazing. Well done chorus, it's not hard to see why Tori was moved to tears!
I want tori to be my choir teacher!!!
Great story and thank you for sharing it w/ everyone.
U have such an amazing group of talented kids and I'm very proud of what you have accomplished w/ them.
congratulations,
jcesar
I found you accidently from a toriamos.com e-mail, and I'm so glad I did. I have been on your website for over an hour now. I am a huge Tori fan, and I am now a PS22 Chorus fan. I am a teacher as well, and I know that it can be a very challenging job. But I think what you are doing with these kids is fabulous. Thank you for sharing your talents with these kids and with the rest of us.
Fantastic job guys! Keep it up!
dear gregg, your chorus inspired me and made me cry so many times!keep doing your great work!and by the way your kids are super halarious!hola a los de p.s.22! from all of us in costa rica!
PS 22 Chorus: You guys rock!!! You have fans from Germany, Canada, Costa Rica, India, all over the world. You should be proud of yourselves. I bet there are some major future stars among you. When you make it big, remember it all started at PS 22 in NYC!!
Mr B., incredible teachers like you make such a difference for kids. I love how you put these video clips on the blog. It demonstrates to everybody out there how important music and art programs are in schools. The 9/11 documentary especially makes that point.
MR.B I CAN ONLY AMAGINE HOW EXITED YOU WERE WHEN TORI WALKED IN!!!!!BUT ANY WAY YOURE CHORUS WAS GREAT AND YOU ARE SUCH A GREAT TEACHER!!!!!!!!!
thanks!! it was the best day of my career for sure! :)
Mr. B, I also do not usually leave comments, but I have stumbled upon this page and it also moved me to tears. Not that you had the incredible chance to sing with Tori Amos, as special as that was, but the way you speak to each of your children and let them know that they are beautiful and loved. The world needs more teachers like yourself... you are truly a gift.
YOU KIDS ARE AN INSPIRATION! YOUR TEACHER ROCKS!!! I WOULD'VE DONE ANYTHING AS A KID TO HAVE THE WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITY YOU GUYS HAVE.
their teacher thanks you!! :)
I saw this when it was posted to Undented last year, and... wow. that was absolutely amazing. I felt goosebumps. I honestly felt like I was right there with you, watching Tori react to your (stunning, amazing, beautiful, etc.) singing.
good job. :) (I only just now discovered your blog, Mr. B... d'oh!)
just glad you found us cyndi, time delay notwithstanding!! :)
I wish you could know how many people you have touched with your talent and inspiration. All of you are awesome and I wish there were more Mr. Bs in the world.
thanks for that!! :)
These are the moments that, as a teacher, I live for. When the world seems to stop for a few minutes and you get to stand back and see everything you love come together as one. What a beautiful experience for your students! Congratulations!
as far as those moments you say you live for? you and me both!! :) thanks so much!
Mr. B!!! Bravo to you and your kids for all that you do! I would have passed out if I got to meet Tori Amos in person. I saw her in '98 for the Choirgirl Hotel tour and she rocked!!! I have a request that perhaps you and your kids might want to do. How about some Olivia Newton-John?!?!?!?! Perhaps "Magic". Take care and good luck!!!!
that's hysterical! i love olivia! :) great idea....
Lovely! I am touched. Thank you.
Tori Amos is awesome but PS22 Chorus is even more so, and I think she'd agree. What a gift you guys are! Thank you!
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