The Dare Dreamer Movement by Julene Fleurmond

I have to admit, I’m inspired by Justin Bieber’s story, especially after I saw Never Say Never, and his music grew on me, (but I admit the chorus of a certain one of his songs got annoyingly stuck in my head with all the repetition – baby, baby, baby oh!;).

It’s so nice though to see singers take a song, change it up and make it their own, as Drew Ryniewicz did as she sang Justin Bieber’s song “Baby” on The X Factor USA, the song seems to take on a new meaning and evoke a new feeling the way she sings it:

Wow, I’ll never look at Jelly Beans the same way. Watch this music video from Kina Grannis, filmed in stop motion, using 288,000 Jelly Bellies for the creative scenery. The team behind the project took so much time to make something unique, and really inspiring and their creativity paid off:

The Making Of “In Your Arms”

The PS22 Chorus became a Youtube sensation a few years back with their soulful videos of students singing covers of popular songs in class. Watching their videos make me smile and I love the emotions the kids show while performing. In the video below Gregg Breinberg, the teacher who started PS22 and some of his students talk about how it got started:

The confidence built in the students just goes to show how much of an impact the arts and wonderful mentors can make in their lives. In an interview Gregg Breinberg, the teacher who started the music class talks about how singing changes young people:

“It’s all about self-confidence. That is what the arts has to offer, especially to kids that aren’t necessarily succeeding academically. Throughout their chorus experience, my students recognize that their musical achievements are something they earn for themselves through hard work and dedication. That is a life lesson that does not restrict itself to music…

“Focus, concentration, and stamina are undeniably strengthened as well. Music and the arts are just the tool to unlock the hidden potential, and as it manifests, it carries over to all other areas of school and hopefully ultimately life…

“…I do hope as they move on that the memories of these unbelievable experiences the PS22 Chorus kids have earned for themselves will be a continued source of inspiration that they can call upon throughout their lives. I always try to remind them that they themselves have become living proof that through hard work, anything is possible.”

– Gregg Breinberg, Click here for the full interview on Open Education

Here is one of my favorite videos from PS22 featuring a talented young lady Denise; her cover of Chris Tomlin’s “How Great is Our God” is unique and beautiful:

Love this song and creative video, Something in the Water, from Brooke Fraser…

I love the message and visuals of this video (doesn’t it make you smile?). From India Arie’s album “Voyage to India.”