Gregg Breinberg "Mr. B." and the PS22 Chorus - Beyond the Ordinary Dot Net

~~~ Gregg Breinberg, "Mr. B" - and the PS22 Chorus ~~~
This is an example of one beyond the ordinary person who persevered, despite school district budget
cutbacks, to bring the wonderful world of music to 5th graders, in a unique way... and Wow - the Results!

Gregg Brienberg, 'Mr.B.' teacher of PS22 choir

Gregg Breinberg, "Mr. B" - and the PS22 Chorus! The PS22 Chorus, a group of fifth-graders at Staten Island, New York’s PS22 school. When you listen to the children you may not believe that it is not an art school, it is the largest elementary school in Staten Island, with no special funding, most of its students eligible for free lunch, many struggling academically, and emotionally in difficult situations. They are Awesome!

Mr. B, as his students call him, with a bachelor’s degree in music theory & composition, a master’s in education, and a passion for teaching and music, arrived at PS22 in 1999. He convinced the administration to let him become a full-time music teacher and start a chorus. He taught older students the basics of music, including ear training, instruments & music notation and in 2000 began the fifth-grade chorus where from the beginning, he adapted music he thought they would relate to. Not little kid songs, beautiful arrangements of grown-up songs, only altering some of the lyrics for the children's age. He began with Tori Amos, his favorite. "I think it’s unfair to give them music that really emotionally will not engage them." A perfect example of altering more adult lyrics is in Tori's Twinkle: 'Boy so hard, but I know a girl twice as hard,' became: 'Life is hard, but I know that I am twice as hard,' quoting Gregg - "Most of the kids have lives that are very hard, and all too many come from rough situations." Do the Artists object to changes in their lyrics? Not at all! and that is quite wonderful. They love the kids, for Tori Amos the PS22 Chorus' versions of her songs moved her to tears. Interestingly, apparently some of her fans have criticized this practice, but Gregg says it’s worth it, because the kids enjoy, and gain strength from, singing her songs. The PS22 Chorus in Action - image

Listening to such a joyful, caring, and inspiring teacher is equally as wonderful as listening to the children and seeing their faces --it is evident they feel & know what they are singing (a lovely way of saying it to themselves) Not surprising, being who he is, that Gregg would say... "They are my heroes, knowing the obstacles so many of them have to overcome, yet they get up and come into school smiling and sharing their positive energy, they are little miracle people."

Very shortly after Gregg started uploading some of the Chorus' videos, their popularity grew and their adventures began! They have been featured on ABC News, The New York Times, and gone on to do and become much more. We are grateful to have found them, teacher and students are giving us, and everyone who meets them, much joy and hope for the future. The opportunity of experiencing what they can achieve, and the gift of someone believing in them ...and showing them that they can believe in themselves, is priceless. The emergence of dormant talents, self confidence, creative spirit, and pure joy engendered by this music class can remain with them for life because they learned they can do anything! This has to make every parent, every adult, wonder how wise is it to cut music, any of the arts, as every child can excel at one, and that has such an impact at a young age? The PS22 Chorus students fortunately did not miss this opportunity, thanks to Mr. B and a wise school administration.

There are so many wonderful soloists, fabulous harmonizing, and great arrangements. So many beautiful children whose voices, expressions, and joyous fun, will touch your soul and give you tender moments.

We chose this video because the children are singing & absorbing a beautiful song and its empowering, truth-full, and inspiring lyrics.
Written and composed by "Mr. B"
especially for his, and all, children!

Want more now? Go ahead, click!
PS22 YouTube channel
PS22chorus.blogspot.com