The Incredible Catalogue of PS 22

I feel like kids choirs can get gimmicky, real quick. When used in power ballads, it can get so sentimental it will make you want to eat babies. When used in virtually any other context, it can be downright creepy. Sure there are exceptions (Passion Pit(they used this choir), but generally, children's choir are a last desperate reach from a fading star.

So, what happens when you take out the rock star?

Public School 22 in Staten Island, New York has choir of boys and girls just as talented as any ole' kid you can find down the street. Their passion, however, is extraordinary. The kids have invaded youtube over the last few years with covers of radio hits and indie gems. And while they do occasionally back an artists here or there, the kids are usually the rock star; it's PS 22's world, the stars merely accent it. Here are a few of the great songs they've recorded.

"Lisztomania" - Passion Pit

"Round and Round" - Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti

"Zebra" - Beach House

"Kids" - MGMT

They've got some pretty cool guests too.

"One Day" - PS 22 with Matisyahu

"Put Your Hands Up" - PS 22 with Kylie Minogue

"This Christmas" - PS 22 with Common

Sound check with Crowded House

It's a real group project here. The teacher deserves teacher of a life time, and is reason enough for music programs in schools today. You can see the kids give it their all every time they open their mouth. It's a really amazing thing that has happened out of sheer pasion for music, and these kids are truly inspirational. I don't throw that word around much, so.....real talk.

I'll leave you with this video of the choir accepting a personal invitation from Anne Hathaway to perform at the Oscars this year.