Round and Round

Here is yet another exciting indie-band cover from the PS22 Chorus of "Round and Round" by Ariel Pink! The kids learned and recorded this after only 2 practices, despite the fact that there are some incredibly difficult changes in the song! So proud of them for the heartrending and stoic delivery, and truly taking this song in a whole different direction. Still impressed after all these years at how these children truly know how to interpret a song and make it their own.

Thanks to Ms. Lisa for her beautiful filming!

UPDATE: The new vid is seeing some great exposure, currently being featured as the headline news item on Pitchfork! For those unaware, Pitchfork is a huge indie & alternative music internet publication, so 'round these parts we call that "street cred."

UPDATE 2 (1-30-11): In addition to appearing on every reputable online indie resource and even the Huffington Post, the newest video is also earning some impressive YouTube Honors! Check 'em out below....

"Kids" Pt II

Here is a pristinely filmed acoustic version of "Kids" by MGMT shot by the PS22 Chorus's amazing new bud, filmmaker Jonathan Kalafer! Unfortunately Marquis & Mr. Eberle weren't around for the proceedings, but the kids compensated by singing the verses a bit more tenderly than usual, which makes this version a fine alternate to our previously posted version of "Kids!"

If anyone's a bit confused as to the goings on at the beginning of the video, the vent in the auditorium kept pushing the doors open, and Kaleb couldn't refrain from trying (unsuccessfully) to close them. "Welcome to the asylum," indeed!

PS22 Chorus in The Wall Street Journal!

Check out this amazing article and the above video feature from The Wall Street Journal!

The PS22 Chorus OSCARS Selection is Revealed!

For any and all who might have missed the Oscar Nominations announcement that came this morning, in addition to missing a short clip of the kids announcing their appearance, you also missed hearing the PS22 Chorus Oscar song selection! Chris Harrison announced that the kids will be performing the classic Oscar-winning song from 1939, "Over The Rainbow" from the Wizard of Oz! You can see the videos now on Oscar.com following the Nominations video!

Billboard Magazine also mentioned in its Oscar Nominations coverage about our song selection as well!

IMPROV Session Part II

Another amazing spontaneous creation from our session of improvising with two of PS22's finest young talents, Azaria & Denise. Between Azaria's lyrics & Denise's raw fire, these two together are a force to be reckoned with!!

Reminder!

Don't forget to tune in tomorrow morning (Tuesday) to the Oscars.com webcast announcing this years nominations. PS22 Chorus will be making a cameo and it should be well worth the watch! The webcast begins at 8:30AM ET, and PS22 is expected to appear within the first ten minutes of the airing!

IMPROV Session

An incredible session of improvising with two of our amazing PS22 Chorus of 2011 members, Azaria & Denise. Yes, the girls and I were completely making this up as we went along.... Seriously and insanely mind-blowing!! This video was captured by extraordinary film-maker, Jonathan Kalafer....

Take 5 with Mr. B

What do PS22 Chorus and Wolverine have in common? Not much really, but check out this fun interview from Beth Hopkins' very cool blog to find out....

Hannah

The kids have a blast singing this song, "Hannah" by Freelance Whales, and I honestly don't know how they got all those lyrics down as well as they did so quickly! We just put the finishing touches on this today after only 2 practices, and I'm very proud of the results! Another great song by a great band, covered by the greatest fifth grade chorus!! Thanks to the always amazing Mr. Eberle on guitar, and our dear Ms. Lisa for filming!

UPDATE (1-22-11): Just saw that Freelance Whales posted this on their Facebook & Twitter pages saying, "This is literally the coolest thing I've ever seen."

UPDATE 2 (1-22-11): singer/actor Darren Criss from Glee also tweeted about the kids' cover of "Hannah," saying "I wanna be in PS22!" We'll save a seat for you, Darren!

PS22 Chorus Video featured on NY Times Homepage!!

Check out this amazing video produced by Jeremy Beiler currently being featured on the homepage of NYTimes.com! Also make sure you don't miss the previously posted article featured in today's edition of the hard copy of the NY Times!!

NY TIMES predicts PS22 Chorus will steal The Oscars!

Check out the last two paragraphs of this awesome article appearing in tomorrow's (Wednesday, January 20) NY TIMES on page C2. TIMES Journalist Melena Ryzik predicts the PS22 Chorus's appearance to be "one of the best moments" of this year's upcoming Academy Award's Ceremony!

PS22 Chorus Helps Deliver Oscar Nominees!

If you tune in to the Academy Award Nominees Webcast next Tuesday morning (January 25th) at Oscars.com, not only will you get to hear this year's nominations, but you'll also also see a quick glimpse of the PS22 Chorus kids officially announcing their arrival to Hollywood! The webcast will begin at 8:30 AM (ET), so don't miss it!! (The PS22 segment is expected to come on within the first 10 minutes.) For recent PS22 Oscar buzz in the news media, check out these videos below!

Entertainment Tonight (12-17-10)


Access Hollywood (12-17-10)


Good Day New York (12-17-10)


CBS News at 11 (12-17-10)


NBC News at 11 (12-17-10)


PIX News at 10 (12-17-10)


ABC News at 11 (12-17-10)


NY1 (12-18-10)

Ithacappella & Adiza Return!

Yesterday, the PS22 Chorus of 2011 was treated to a visit by our "old" friends Ithacappella! After doing an assembly for the entire fifth grade in the morning, they made a guest appearance at our chorus rehearsal later that afternoon to join forces with the kids on Katy Perry's "Firework." We were also treated to a visit from former PS22 Chorus member Adiza, who now is in Ithaca College's all-female choir, Premium Blend. So of course we put her to work too. The results are astounding, as you can see below.

More magic happened when Ithacappella spontaneously joined in on a version of our cover of "Imagine" by John Lennon. Azaria, who had a really bad cold, took us by surprise and gave one of her most impressive performances to date. And the addition of Ithacappella takes this version to a whole new level of fantastic.

Personally speaking, I would just like to thank the gentlemen at Ithacappella (and of course, my Dizzy too!) for lifting my spirits during a difficult time for me and my family, and reminding me of the healing power of music. Yesterday did wonders for my soul, and I know the kids will echo my sentiments when I say it was one of the most memorable moments of a rather incredible year for the PS22 Chorus. To help give further insight to the electricity of this collaboration, here is a little something Ithacappella improvised with the kids to get everyone warmed up -- "Ithacappella! PS22!"

And to sign off this very special post, we leave you off with two of our favorite videos featuring Adiza during her time at PS22! Also make sure to check out this amazing improv she did a few years back with another of our legendary progidies, Justin.

UPDATE (1-12-11): Huge thanks to our pal Perez Hilton for posting our 'fab collab' with Ithacappella!

DECEMBER 2010 Poll Results

PS22 Chorus fans have spoken and the top 3 PS22 Chorus holiday performances are, "Snow Angel" by Tori Amos from the 2011 Chorus, "Let There Be Peace on Earth" from the 2009 Chorus, and with the highest percentage of votes, "O Holy Night" from the 2010 Chorus! All fine choices indeed!!

And make sure you vote in our new January Poll on the right sidebar! This month's poll allows you to vote for your favorite PS22 video featuring an Academy Award nominated (or awarded) actor! Be an educated voter, and take some time to watch all the nominated videos below!

Anne Hathaway & PS22 Chorus 2011


Matt Damon (Matisyahu) & PS22 Chorus 2011


Marcia Gay Harden & PS22 Chorus 2007


Matthew Modine & PS22 Chorus 2005


Queen Latifah & PS22 Chorus 2010