Marquis Spreads The "Love"

PS22 Chorus 2011 member Marquis taught Azaria, Abigail & myself this beautiful spiritual as we were warming up for rehearsal on his and Abigail's upcoming solo parts.... Thanks to chorus member Ashley T. for a great job filming!

Although this is not the song you'll be hearing Marquis & Abigail on, it is very likely you'll hear this song fleshed out into a full chorus selection later on this year.

The Chorus of Steel!

Check out a new interview on the official WAITING FOR SUPERMAN website. (The PS22 Chorus interview is on the right side of the page.)

PS22 Chorus 2011 Header Update!

Thanks to Zendrig for updating his original blog header to feature the entire new crew!

He Loves Me

The PS22 Chorus of 2011 delves into the gospel/R&B genre with this classic by Jill Scott, "He Loves me." This version was also inspired by the phenomenal rendition by Karen Clark & Kierra Sheard. Denise is nothing short of a revelation, and I can't wait to hear more from her and the rest of the new crew! 2011 is really getting us all "happily excited!"

Thanks to Ms. Lisa for the great video & pic on this post, and Mr. Eberle for joining in on the fun with his amazing guitar work!

Friends: Introducing Juan & Mohamed

One of the best aspects of working with the PS22 Chorus is witnessing long-lasting bonds formed, and I just know these two will be friends for life! Some of the MANY highlights of this video include Juan's theorizing on how he got into chorus as a fourth grader, Mohamed's modeling, and Juan's pronunciation of Bjork! Say it with me everybody......

PS22 Chorus Gets A Makeover!

Check out the new look for the PS22 Chorus of 2011! The kids are really looking sharp in their new chorus shirts! Colors were inspired by Zendrig's brilliant blog header, and the picture of Renee, Skyh, and Victoria used in the design was originally taken by photographer Jordan Hollender from the kids' amazing Time Out NY for Kids Magazine cover feature.

New members Abigail (alto) & Marquis (soprano) have some fun displaying the fashion of 2011 below!

New York Magazine Spotlights PS22's "Imagine!"

Thanks to New York Magazine for further spotlighting the PS22 Chorus of 2011 on their blog! But heads up, NY -- "painfully cool" covers are the PS22 Chorus's patented specialty. So you can't say you haven't been warned.... :)

PS22 Chorus Rocks The New Yorkers For Children Fall Gala 2010!!

Last night, the PS22 Chorus of 2011 made their first ever live appearance to a resounding roar of enthusiasm! The new group of fifth graders (+ Juan) stunned the crowd gathered at a fundraiser for New Yorkers for Kids, an organization dedicated to helping foster children. Keith Bullock from the NY Giants was honored, and the event was hosted by Selita Ebanks. In attendance was Kanye West, Courtney Love, and also there to perform was Grammy-winning artist Estelle! But nothing and no one could have brought the message of the organization to the crowd of elites better than the PS22 Chorus singing "Imagine" by John Lennon. And as if the performance isn't enough to do the job, hopefully a preface toast and a whole bunch of bus footage (introducing the awesome new group in a more personal way) will make this video worth the watch!

The PS22 Chorus performance at the NYFC Gala was acknowledged by The Huffington Post and The Wall Street Journal among others! What a debut for the class of 2011!

Thanks to Ms. Lisa for her usual amazing video footage of the kids' performance, and to Ms. Laurie for the beautiful pics that accompany this post! Also thanks to Mrs. Panzella & Ms. Kaufmann for all their help!

PS22 Chorus of 2011 Debuts "IMAGINE" by John Lennon

Thoroughly proud to present the video premiere from the PS22 Chorus of 2011, putting a new spin on the John Lennon classic, "Imagine." I don't think any of my choruses in all the years previous has put forth a more solid debut in such a short amount of time! Harmonies are tight, the feeling is there, and this group is ready to rawwwwk!! This was filmed today at only the 2nd rehearsal with the full group. Azaria delights with her unique instrument and pitch-perfect delivery on the solo, and Mr. Eberle adds that extra magic touch guesting on the acoustic guitar. So it's safe to say, 2011's IN DA HOUSE -- and it's bound to be quite a year!!

And as always, love and thanks to Ms. Lisa for capturing this performance (and countless others!) on video....

Denise Auditions!

Here's Denise, another heavy hitter from the up 'n coming PS22 Chorus of 2011, singing "Impossible" by Shontelle! I don't know about you people, but I, for one, am VERY excited about what's to come from this new group of all-stars!

Azaria Auditions!

Azaria provides a teaser of "Sweet Dreams" by Beyonce and "Falling" by Alicia Keys. This girl is a force to be reckoned with! And apologies for my apparent inability to multi-task.....

Matthew Auditions for PS22 Chorus of 2011

I suppose it's needless to say that you'll be seeing a whole lot more of Matthew among the ranks of the upcoming PS22 Chorus of 2011!

Remembering September 11th, 2001

Here are two newly posted videos from our September 11th docu-drama from back in 2002. The above is kindergartener Carol (who would eventually turn up in the PS22 Chorus of 2007) recalling the events of September 11th and her hopes for the future. Below is one of the most compelling scenes of the movie, in which the kids speak with wisdom beyond their years on the issue of racism against Muslims. And man oh man, if it doesn't make you wonder if the world wouldn't be a much better place if it were being run by the 10 year olds.... Our hearts go out on this day to all those who've lost friends and family 9 years ago today.

The PS22 Chorus ACE OF CAKES Episode Airs!!

Thanks to everyone at Charm City Cakes for this unforgettable gift!! For some great pics from our day with Duff & the gang, click here!

Sing Yourself

Here is an original tune that I composed specifically for the PS22 Chorus entitled, "Sing Yourself," and of course they do it proud. And a wonderful job to Avery who scores on the solo!! This is one of the 4 performances incorporated into our September Concert video.

Make sure you catch our other previously posted video of "Sing Yourself" with Travis Garland.

AUGUST 2010 POLL RESULTS

PS22 Chorus fans have spoken and the fan-favorite PS22 Chorus viral video is "Lisztomania" by Phoenix!!

Make sure you participate in September's poll, live now on the right sidebar! To make an educated vote, follow the links below:

PS22 Chorus live collaborations:

w/ Tori Amos "Father's Son"
w/ Cooper Boone "One Song"
w/ Celtic Woman "Spanish Lady"
w/ Celtic Woman "When You Believe"
w/ Celtic Woman "You Raise Me Up"
w/ Common "This Christmas"
w/ Crowded House "Throw Your Arms Around Me"
w/ Travis Garland "Believe"
w/ Jarrod Gorbel "10 Years Older"
w/ Jarrod Gorbel "I'll Do Better"
w/ Matisyahu "On Nature"
w/ Matisyahu "One Day"
w/ Passion Pit "Sleepyhead"
w/ Queen Latifah & Common "Champion"
w/ Judy Torres "No Reason To Cry"