“When you do what you love, things can happen for you”
Several months ago, Superforester Aaron featured the story of an incredible music teacher and his amazing 5th grade chorus who have swept the ears and hearts of millions of fans around the world. If you haven’t read his Inspiration Information post on Gregg Breinberg and PS22 Chorus, you should definitely check it out here.
Last week I had the singular honor of meeting Gregg (or as his students affectionately call him, “Mr. B”) for an interview in the Staten Island diner across from his school. We’ve often written on SuperForest about the power of “following your bliss”. Here is a man who not only embodies that idea… he inspires it — in every one of his students… and in the 20 million plus viewers who follow his chorus’ youtube videos.
SF: Why did you become a teacher? Is it what you always wanted to do?
Mr. B: I had no idea what I wanted to do. For a long time I was just floating around trying to figure it out, and for a time I was just clowning around… literally. I performed at parties with my friend who owned a clown company. And I taught summer camp, so I was always around kids. I graduated college with a degree in Music Comp and Theory, so I always knew whatever I did would involve music. But honestly I’m not a great musician and I never believed in myself or pushed myself the way I do now for my kids. Teaching came about because my parents, both teachers themselves, told me to basically get motivated or get out of their house. I chose a one-year Masters in Education program, and here I am.
SF: When I watch your chorus, what strikes me most is how passionate each and every student is while singing. How do you inspire your kids?
Mr. B: I teach them that I don’t care if you makes mistakes as long you give it your everything. We are not a technically perfect chorus, and that’s not my goal. If you listen, not even carefully, we’re making mistakes all the time, including my piano playing! But what I ask my students is to “find the music”. I’m teaching fourth and fifth graders who haven’t learned anything about music. I choose pop songs and modern music because it’s what my students can relate to, what they feel. For me the goal is to find and unlock the talent inside.
SF: Why do you think your chorus has caused such a stir? Is it your teaching style, your song choices, your kids, or school or neighborhood..?
Mr. B: There are other programs like mine out there, but to me PS22 is the perfect place. Nowhere else gets the same group of kids from such diverse backgrounds all coming together. To me that’s everything. Because the chorus while a group, is ultimately about individual expression. These kids need this music. This program has saved lives. That’s not an exaggeration, I know it for a fact. That’s what I think people respond to, and why I teach.
SF: Your chorus has had over 20 million youtube hits, won a Webby Award, sung for President Obama, been featured on Oprah, and been asked to make an album, a documentary and a film. It’s fairy-tale success. Have you faced any challenges?
Mr. B: Every day. Unfortunately, when the Education System faces budget cuts like it has in the past few years, the arts are always first to go. It’s been an uphill battle since day one, but I’m lucky to have a principal and school that supports the program and what I do, and great great kids that I’m fortunate enough to work with for three hours a week. Which for most public schools in New York and this country, is a gift. I know a lot of schools who don’t have any arts education anymore, and a lot of great teachers and friends who are now out of work. What’s happened for our chorus is amazing, mind-blowing really, and I hope it inspires people to see the value and impact arts education can have.
As far as my students go, the success — getting to meet celebrities, perform for the President, record a song with Passion Pit (the last two, personal highlights of my career) — is definitely a carrot that motivates the new class. Though I try to downplay all that as much as I can. Because the real goal remains the same: teaching kids to find the music and talent within. It’s never been easy. But to watch a class of kids from so many diverse backgrounds, many of whom face incredible personal challenges, come together over the course of a year to create a beautiful harmony, and come into their own as amazing soloists… that’s the most rewarding thing in the world. Everything else is just icing on the cake.
A big mahalo to Mr. B for taking the time to meet and answer my questions. As we chatted for hours over eggs and chicken parmesan, it was incredible to witness the steady stream of neighborhood locals who came up to our table show their support – from our waitress-mom, to proud parents… even the school security guard — all pouring out praise for this man. And more touching than anything else were the former students who ran up with big smiles and bigger hearts to hug Mr. B… a humble clown turned passionate teacher, who’s improving the lives of his kids, community, and world, one song at a time.
For chicken skin chills of inspiration, visit the PS22 Chorus Blog or check out their youtube channel.
Also read our previous SuperForest posts about PS22 here and here.
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