This is an article about a school chorus made up of 10 and 11 year olds in Staten Island, NY. They have recorded several songs for YouTube and have become an internet sensation. They have also been featured on Nightline NBC. The chorus is led by an intense young teacher named Gregg Breinburg.
In my opinion, the musical quality of the chorus is exceptional. They spend hours and hours in rehearsal, and it really shows. They are aware of harmonies, blending, and pitch. These details are a natural outgrowth of their love for the music that they sing and the joy that they get from singing together. It is apparent in their sound and in their faces and body language as they sing. (You can check them out on YouTube; search PS 22 Chorus.) The songs that they sing aren't traditional. Their repertoire is made of up of Lady Gaga, Journey, Michael Jackson, and Coldplay, among other popular artists.
This teacher is really invested in his students. He jumps around in the videos, yells out encouragement in the songs, and expects as much from his students as he does of himself. He prompts emotion and feeling in the songs by asking questions: "I want a little more power, guys," Breinberg says. "I don't feel it! You are questioning the world! Didn't you ever wonder how did all this happen? I want to see it. I want to feel it."
In this school, nearly seventy-five percent of the students are on free lunch. This speaks to the socio-economic status and crime rates of the area. This ensemble, with the exceptional role model it has in Mr. Breinberg, could very well be the future of this Staten Island community. His focus on bringing out the very best in his students could change these children's lives permanently.
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ReplyDeleteTeachers in areas with debilitating socio-economic issues encounter new and unique frustrations every day in the classroom.
ReplyDeleteI have always been inspired by teachers who still find ways to ensure that their program thrive regardless of circumstance.
In this instance, introducing them to a more contemporary repertoire has help spark an interest in performance. I would be interested to find out what type of support programs are in place for their music department.
I ♥ NPR.
I heard this story too. Mr. Breinberg has created a great way to nurture the intrinsic value of music in addition to teaching the music. It would be interesting to follow some of these students to see how this experience affects the rest of their school music lives.
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