PS22 Chorus Wows the World

My Mom called late the other night after watching ABC Nightline to tell me about the PS22 Chorus of New York. Thank you Mom! I am always thrilled and delighted to see quality programs like this one crop up because it shows me that there is still a future for music in our schools no matter how bleak it looks. These fifth graders sing with so much love and emotion. What I would give to lead a group like that. They are just brilliant!

I am so proud to have Mr. B, the chorus' teacher & director, as a colleague in music. He makes his job look so easy but I know how much work goes into building a program and keeping it active and thriving. They have quite a bit working against them each and every day but they continue to succeed and it shows. The amount of publicity this chorus has received in the last few weeks is just staggering. CNN, ABC Nightline, The Bonnie Hunt Show, TV Guide Network, just to name a few. Here is the ABC Nightline video clip for you to enjoy!




I was privileged to be a part of several great music programs while I was in public school. I am quite certain that without those experiences I would not have decided to be a music educator or have pursued a career in professional music. Even if a student doesn't go into the field of music they still have important skills to gain and develop being a part of a music program that will make them better learners.

I encourage you to support your local public school music programs any way you can. Volunteer in the classroom. Call your school and inquire about needs in the classroom. Attend PTA meetings and stay current about the future of music in your local school and district. Make sure that your voice is heard about the quality of education that you expect for your children including music education. For too long we have taken for granted that music will be included in our school's curriculum. Unfortunately, with recent budget cuts due to the economy the future of music in our schools looks bleak and many districts have cut music all together. As a parent, if you feel that the music programs in your school are lacking make your voice heard to your school board. Tell them that music is important to your child's education.

Look for ways to expose your child to music in your every day life as well. You don't have to be a great musician yourself to help your budding musician along in their education. You just need to be dedicated and willing to try new things. Private and group lessons are also a great option to supplement your child's musical education. At the Elliott Music Studio our goal is to enrich people's lives with music and that is exactly what we strive to do with private voice and piano lessons.

Tell us your musical story. How has music made an impact on you or your child's life? Drop us a line in the comments.