I updated the quality of the videos on the previous post -- the sound is much better! Check it out!

PS22 Chorus will be performing at the Rainbow Room on October 30th!

Here's a sneak preview of a performance we are VERY excited about. The kids will be performing for such talents as Academy Award-winning actress Marcia Gay Harden & the cast of the Tony Award-winning musical, "The Jersey Boys". For more info about the event go to:

YMCA of Greater New York

This was recorded today at rehearsal....

"Happy Workers" (performed originally by Tori Amos)

VIDEO DOWN

An excerpt of an original song by Justin Rolon & Mr. B. Justin wrote the lyrics and melody to the part he is singing on and, of course, continues to astonish all ears.... And the chorus & Mariah (who performs here with such feeling & confidence) sing the parts that I wrote so much more beautifully than I ever could!! Wait 'til you hear the full version!! This may end up being another all-time favorite. (Though I think I've probably said that a lot throughout my career....)

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More Highlights From the PS22 Chorus of 2005/6 (and more Tori...)

As this year's chorus is hard at work for their upcoming holiday performance, we present this highlight from last year's, "That's What I Like, Mick" performed by Tori Amos (and originally by Chas & Dave}. This one's a lot of fun! And Brittany does a wonderful job on the solo!



Justin was in 4th grade when he sang this beautiful Christmas song, "I Wonder As I Wander" at last year's holiday show. We are all in great anticipation of his performance at the Martin Luther King Observance (read previous post!)

PS22 Chorus of 2006 at Radio City Music Hall singing Aretha Franklin's Respect! Another chorus classic!

Amanda really made this song her own, and helped the PS22 Chorus steal the show at Radio City in 2006!

More great Tori Amos songs performed throughout the years!

The above photo is of the chorus of 2005/6.


Tori Amos songs:

PS22 Chorus sings That's What I Like, Mick (2006) (originally by Chaz & Dave)

PS22 Chorus sings Wednesday (2006)

PS22 Chorus sings Not The Red Baron (2005) featuring David (2003)

PS22 Chorus sings Carbon(2003)


Thanks to Raspy & Turbid for hosting these and for your awesome support of our chorus!!

PS22 Chorus sings "God Bless The USA (Proud To Be An American)" for N.Y.C. Mayor Michael Bloomberg

Soon after the September 11th tragedy, the PS22 Chorus sang for Mayor Bloomberg at City Hall. This medley of "God Bless The USA" and "America The Beautiful" was a huge audience-pleaser (and Mr. B's dad's all-time favorite!)

PS22 Chorus Members sing at Radio City Music Hall for Academy Award Winner Matthew Modine!!!

After being bowled over by the sounds and harmonies of the PS22 Chorus, Academy Award winner Matthew Modine had this to say:



They sang "Simple Song Of Freedom" recorded by the incredible Voices Of East Harlem, and by its songwriter Bobby Darren:



UPDATE: Here is a newly posted version of "Three Little Birds" by Bob Marley from the same performance.

Get ready for an early "Winter" by Tori Amos

One of the classics! Still love this one from the holiday concert of 2002. Really good job chorus of 2002-3!

PS22 Chorus sings Sloop John B

PS22's principal and chorus groupie, Mrs. Costantino (pictured above with our chorus)loves the Beach Boys so we dedicated this song to her! Dig the reggae twist!

PS22 Chorus sings Massive Attack & Hooverphonic

Here are two more goodies from 2003. First, I wrote this little tune called "Pull Some Time," and then realized it worked perfectly on top of Massive Attack's "Eurochild".



Next is a beautiful song by Hooverphonic called, "The Kiss." That's Alexandra doing the lovely soloing.

CONGRATULATIONS TO JUSTIN!!

Because of his incredible performance of "Lift Every Voice & Sing" at the Sandy Ground dramatic musical (posted previously), the P.S.22 Chorus' very own Justin has been selected to perform at the Martin Luther King Memorial Observance Ceremony (www.nyking.org) on Monday, January 15th, 2007!!!

One of the Sandy Ground descendants took notice of Justin's prodigious talent, and recommended him for this huge honor! And a HUGE honor it is, as this observance is the most highly-regarded & prestigious M.L.K. Jr. honarary event in the entire nation. It will be broadcast live in 5 states, and is known to attract over 40 million viewers! Justin, we are so thrilled for and incredibly proud of you! No one is more qualified than you to represent the heart and soul of P.S.22 at this important tribute to a real American hero.

Highlights from PS22's 2006 production of Sandy Ground: Flowers Of The Sand

"Sandy Ground: Flowers of the Sand", is the true story of the trials, tribulations, & accomplishments of a local Staten Island community that left a legacy of humble greatness. PS22 wrote, produced, and performed this show after visiting the Sandy Ground museum, in Staten Island. Sandy Ground was the first free African-American community started by ancestors of many who still live in the area. We thank all of the many Sandy Grounders who attended the performances, including Lois Mosley (author of "Sandy Ground Memories") and her sons Greg and Gerald, Julie Moody Lewis (Sandy Ground Historical Society president), and Sylvia D'Alessandro (Sandy Ground Museum curator and executive director). Your presence there gave us added pride and inspiration. To learn more about Sandy Ground and why it is an officially documented United States historical landmark, check out:

http://www.statenislandusa.com/pages/sandy_ground.html

Justin's JAW-DROPPING performance of "Lift Every Voice And Sing", the African-American anthem.


Strawberry Fields....


Van Diemen's Land by U2 (changed to "Sandy Ground" for the show)