P.S. 22 chorus will perform at the presidential inauguration!

Thanks to the generosity of New Yorkers, and fans from across the country, Staten Island's P.S. 22 chorus is headed to the presidential inauguration.

By Rory Halperin Sat Jan 19 2013

P.S. 22 chorus
P.S. 22 chorus

P.S. 22 chorus

When Hurricane Sandy hit in October, the P.S. 22 chorus had only raised $6,000 of the $20,000 needed to fund their trip to Washington, D.C. to perform at the presidential inauguration (they had been invited earlier in the year by Chuck Schumer). After the storm, which took a big toll on their hometown of Staten Island, they redirected their fundraising efforts to help the community. Thanks, though, to generous people from all over the country, the kids were able to reach their goal—and now, they young stars are getting ready to leave for D.C. on Sunday morning. We chatted with chorus director Gregg "Mr. B" Breinberg (who we met back in 2010 when Time Out Kids featured the awesome kids on our cover) to hear about what's in store for the chorus on this special day.

We were so happy to hear that the chorus raised enough money for the trip.
We couldn't be more thankful to everyone who donated. Everyone rallied and we got what we needed—fortunately, there are a lot of good people out there. There was even a school who raised a few hundred dollars. We're going to do a thank you concert for the people who donated.

What's the plan for this weekend?
We're leaving for D.C. on Sunday around 6am. We have a rehearsal in the afternoon and then we're hoping to take the kids to some nearby attractions. On Monday, morning, we leave our hotel in Baltimore at 5:45am to head to the capitol, where the kids will get signed in and go through security. From there, we'll find out where we have to go to get ready for the show.

What will the kids be singing at President Obama's inauguration?
We're doing four songs: "Home," by Phillip Phillips; "One Dream," by Sarah Mclachlan; "On Top of the World," by Imagine Dragons; and finally, "God Bless the U.S.A," by Lee Greenwood. It's too cold to wear our P.S. 22 chorus shirts, so the kids will be wearing P.S. 22 chorus hats.

What an amazing honor for you and the kids. How are they feeling?
They are so excited for the day, the road trip and to be away from their parents!