Thursday, June 26, 2008

"And We're Laughing And We're Weeping..."


It was a difficult goodbye as the chorus of 2008 met for the last time today. Reflecting on the good times and the incredible accomplishments made for an emotional farewell. For all you PS22 Chorus fans, have no fear -- there are more videos and mp3s to come of these guys, and even some exciting news about something we'll be revealing shortly. (I'm presently going through a ton of pics and video footage to prepare for the announcement -- and it's big).

As proof that I'm a man of my word, here is a little gem to add to the collection. Last week, former student, PS22 legend Steven, star of PS22's award-winning 2002 September 11th Docu-drama, The Conference, came back to revisit his roots, AND brought along his saxophone! He literally blew us away with his amazing playing! Here he is accompanying the chorus and me (yes Dante, I know, "Mr. Walking-Bad-Hair-Day") on an unbelievable version of "Time" by Tom Waits, covered by Tori Amos, friend to the chorus. Tori inspired the usage of this song in our film when she performed the song only a few days after 9/11/2001 on The David Letterman Show. It was one of the most poignant live performances and is etched in my memory. So it was a special moment having the lead actor from our September 11th film playing along on this particular song with the chorus. AND Angela & Isaac never sounded better!



I promise there are more great videos like this one to come. So no worries for the growing PS22 Chorus following. But in all honesty, this post isn't really for the fans.

This post is for my chorus.....

Guys. We spoke. You know how proud you have made me this year, but I'll say it again anyway. Through all yor hard work, dedication, and love of music, you've truly made an impact on the world. So now you're moving on, and yes, we're all a bit sick about it. Change and endings are two of the scariest and toughest things we all have to deal with in life. But just remember, you have earned yourselves some incredibly memories, and those accomplishments are yours for all time -- they are there to fall back on when life gets tough, as I know you understand that it does sometimes. Bigger and better things await all of you, whatever you strive for in life. Now you know firsthand that amazing things can happen when you are dedicated. You plugged your hearts and souls into this positive musical outlet, and your electricity continues to light up faces all over the world. Your humanity is as extraordinary as your music, and that's why you have achieved such unbelievable successes this year. I have no doubt you will continue to make me proud, no matter what you want to be in life. Just remember as Angela sings, "If you can't find a direction, just stick to your own path. And take it far -- as far as 'far' can go." You've come SO far. And I have every confidence you will take it all the way.

All my love and respect,
Mr. B

PS If you don't keep in touch, take everything I said above and replace it with, "You stink." :)

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Andrew Canlon Makes A Hit With The Chorus


Former student Andrew Canlon, one of the star soloists from my first year teaching music at PS60, came for a visit to PS22, and blew us all away with the progress of his incredible talent! One of the coolest people you'll ever meet, Andrew has been continuing his musical career, studying, creating, and performing. He just had a recent radio interview/performance in Florida (one of the DJ's he spoke to was former N Sync member Chris Kirkpatrick!), and he even mentioned the PS22 Chorus during his interview. How cool is that?!


So this meeting of the choral generations took place on June 10th, 2008, and bore many musical fruits! Here are 2 videos of Andrew singing with The PS22 Chorus:


"ALL MY LIFE" by Andrew Canlon written for the PS22 Chorus


"VALOR" by Andrew Canlon featuring Andrew, Justin, and Angela

Saturday, June 14, 2008

A Mini Christmas In June?


I had to post this video I just found of the mini-chorus of 2003, which includes members of this year's and last year's fifth grade PS22 Chorus. The kids were only in first and second grade when they recorded this. Recognize the soloist? Yup, it's our very own Jarred, back in 1st grade, and even then showing the personality that helped him win this year's PS22 American Idol competition. See if you can spot some of our other present-day fifth grade chorus members -- Angela, Samantha, Zaria, Chris, Dean, and Vivian!


Saturday, June 07, 2008

THE PS22 AMERICAN IDOL 3 FINALE IS OFF THE HOOK!!!


AI3 Extreme Junior Winner Kevin (1st grade!)

On Wednesday, June 4th, PS22 opened its doors for the American Idol 3 Finale, which featured some spectacular performances! After compiling some amazing footage, we are now proud to present some highlights from the PS22 American Idol competition in pictures and video. So kick back, relax, and get ready to enjoy an amazing show, filled with star-making performances!


INTRODUCTION

ALEXANDRA "Gotta Go My Own Way" (High School Musical)



KARINNA "I Still Believe" Brenda K. Starr (Mariah Carey too!)



BRIELLE "Tattoo" by Jordyn Sparks



SANDRIA "Listen" by Beyonce (from rehearsal. Sandria was unable to attend the actual performance)


AI3 Junior Singer winner TIRZAH "Bleeding Love" by Leona Lewis




DANCE CATEGORY!

NORA!



AI3 Dance Winner ISAIAH!




EXTREME JUNIOR SINGER CATEGORY!
(1st & 2nd Graders!)

DIVINA "Fabulous" from High School Musical 2



AI3 Extreme Junior winner KEVIN "S.O.S." by The Jonas Brothers



AZARIA "Irreplaceable" by Beyonce



AI3 INSTRUMENTALIST CATEGORY

AI3 Instrumentalist winner Jake "Caravan" on guitar




PS22 CHORUS CATEGORY!
5th Grade Singers!



VIVIAN "See You Again" by Miley Cyrus



AMBER "Karma" by Alicia Keys



ABDULAYE "Let Me Love You" by Mario



ASHLEY "Hurt" by Christina Aguilera



ASHLEIGH "No One" by Alicia Keys (from rehearsal. Ashleigh was unable to attend the actual performance)


AI3 PS22 Chorus winner JARRED "Waiting On The World To Change by John Mayer




THE GROWN UPS CATEGORY!
PS22 Staff Members!

THE LITTLE MERMAIDS "Part Of That World" from The Little Mermaid



MR. B & THE PS22 CHORUS "Drift Away" by Dobie Gray
(I decided to use this clip from rehearsal as it features the entire chorus, and they just sound phenomenal!)




CONGRATULATION TO ALL THE CONTESTANTS AND WINNERS FROM AI3! See you next season on.... AMERICAN IDOL!!!!



WE LEAVE YOU WITH SOME IMAGES OF YOUR NEW AMERICAN IDOLS!



The Finalists!


Benaldo!

Allie & Mr. B

Karinna

Julian

Brielle

Tirzah

Junior Singers

Victoria

Christian

Sarah

Nora

Isaiah

Dance Finalists

Divina

Kevin

Azaria

Extreme Juniors

Jake

Vivian

Amber

Abdulaye

Ashley

Angela

Jarred

The Stingonettes!

Mr. Eberle

The Little Mermaids

Mr. B & The PS22 Chorus

AI3 Junior Singer Winner TIRZAH!

AI3 Dance Winner ISAIAH!

AI3 Extreme Junior Singer Winner KEVIN!

Kevin's Psycho Fan Miss Lisa!

AI3 Instrumentalist Winner JAKE!

AI3 PS22 Chorus winner JARRED!

The AI3 Sound System Crew with Mr. B

The Little Mermaids!

Mrs. Donath & Mr. B

Simon, Ryan, & Paula

The 5 AI3 Winners!