Song of the Moment- PS22 Chorus' "I'll Stand by You"

Maybe it's just because I'm a performing arts teacher (theatre, to be exact) and I studied music since I was a wee one, this really pulls at my heart strings. I'm such a sucker for kids, especially ones who aren't afraid express themselves.

If you haven't heard of PS22 Chorus, they are a public school elementary choir in Staten Island, NY. This teacher brought his love of music and made it relevant and applicable to these students. And they became a sensation.

Here's a little bit more about them, according to their YouTube Channel frontpage:

"The PS22 Chorus was formed in the year 2000. We are an ever-changing group of 5th graders from a public elementary school in Staten Island, New York. We are NOT a school for the arts or a magnet program.

The chorus has become a bonafide internet sensation over the last few years, singing choral renditions of classic & alternative pop songs. The kids have sung with Tori Amos, Passion Pit, Crowded House, Common, Celtic Woman, & Matisyahu! They have also performed for President Obama and the first family, Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Stevie Nicks, Rihanna, Jordin Sparks, Randy Jackson, Marcia Gay Harden, Nancy Pelosi, and Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Celebrity fans include Perez Hilton, Ashton Kutcher, Jason Mraz, Tom Kaulitz (Tokio Hotel), Suzanne Vega, Rob Dyrdeck, Innocence Mission, Bonnie Hunt, David Hasselhoff, Alyssa Milano, and many more....."

These kids are incredible. They have a great teacher, too, I might add. Just watch and listen to them. I love how each and every child connects with the music on a personal level and really expresses the music. That's what it's about. It's not about looking pretty and standing in perfect rows and holding your music all at the same height. In the end, when you feel the music and let it take you somewhere, that's when the magic begins. I also love their version of Coldplay's Viva la Vida, or Journey's Don't Stop Believin' and Beyonce's Halo ANNNND Jay-Z/Alicia Key's New York State of Mind Pt. XII!!! Gosh, all their stuff is amazing. Go watch it.

So, please enjoy! And go watch more of their performances! They have a blog, too!
 

O.'s Song of the Moment

PS22 Chorus: "I'll Stand By You"

(originally by The Pretenders) 

You have no soul if this doesn't touch you in any way. Just sayin'.