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06/22/2009 10:16 AM

Graniteville Elementary School Chorus Falls Into Global Spotlight

By: Bree Driscoll

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A Staten Island public school chorus has become world famous after its performances became YouTube sensations. NY1's Bree Driscoll filed the following report on how students from P.S. 22 in Graniteville are handling the same.

The students from the Graniteville elementary school P.S. 22 have already had a singing career that many aspiring artists would dream about.

They have been featured on numerous national television shows, their Internet clips have gotten millions of hits, and they even have a celebrity following, including Ashton Kutcher and Stevie Nicks.

The man leading the way for this Staten Island chorus is their director Gregg Breinberg, better known to students as Mr. B.

"I am so happy that this chorus is maybe even better known then our garbage dump. I mean that is amazing," joked Breinberg.

The students cover songs by everyone from Journey to Lady Gaga. But the students say they have not let the attention go to their heads.

"Mostly to me, it is not about the fame," said chorus member Giuseppe Manigila of the fifth grade. "It is what we work on and how we feel about it."

"It is amazing to watch the growth and to see lives being changed before my eyes," said the chorus director. "I am blessed."

Not only have the students learned about lyrics and melodies, but they say they have picked up some life lessons along the way, as well.

"It taught me to let out your feelings and not be scared to let it all out," said singer Gabriel Vasquez, a fifth grader.

They say they hope their music will inspire others to do the same.

"I hope this will help people just to follow their heart and start singing," said fellow fifth grader Maimouma Faye.

Breinberg says the chorus has plenty more appearances scheduled over the summer and it may even record an album.

"It's a definite possibility. It's something we've been considering. Coldplay's manager contacted us a while back. We have been working with him, exploring some different options elsewhere as well," he said. "I don't know where this is going to take us, but, man, are we enjoying the ride."