The boy in the background is my son, and he's autistic. It's been a long road, but with lots of baby steps he's now singing with the chorus. He's not able to sit still the whole time, so he paces, but he does sing. I am so grateful for Mr. B's patience & willingness to include him. He's amazing with these kids, not just vocally but in teaching them that everyone belongs--its not just about performing but being the best people you can be. We are all lucky to have had Mr. B touch our lives!

Thanks, Mrs. Stein! I'm equally blessed to have him with us. Working with him and witnessing his progress has been one of the high points not only of this year, but of my career. :)

yes, he's a chorus member, and adds more joy and heart to the group than anyone watching these videos can ever know. we are VERY proud to have him. :)

And he loves, loves, loves being in the chorus! He proudly tells anyone who will listen "I'm in the PS 22 chorus!"

These kids are so pure and the teacher deserves an award for drawing out their artistic sense and cultivating it. These videos give me HOPE

@Kathy I am so happy to see another child on the spectrum make progress with Mr B; my son was part of the 2011 chorus and is also on the spectrum. I can bore you for hours about all the progress he made but I'm sure you already know :-). Last week my son danced in a performance for his Jr High school; 2 years ago I never imagined my son would ever stand on stage and perform and now I can do something so simple most parents take for granted and that is sit in a school auditorium and enjoy watch

One of the best things about this is that the teacher's so encouraging, even when the kids sometimes falter or get things wrong (in front of Ingrid Michaelson, of all people, too). It takes a lot of patience and love to be that good to the students. Thank you for bringing this to the world.

Props to the kid on drums. that's some good snare work.

...when you get hooked on PS22, like myself, you appreciate these "real time" videos, with all the bits and pieces...very reassuring 'cause it shows that ALL OF THIS IS FOR REAL..this is not a "performance"...what you see is what you get - the real kids and a real teacher (or how all parents would like the teachers to be..)

This is amazing as a mom of a child with Autism.. So happy to see him included.. What a wonderful program...

Thanks so much for sharing these talented kids with us!

Amazing teacher, amazing kids. This is why we need to fund the arts.

I like that the video shows them starting over. it reminds of my days in chorus and having to start songs over in practice. made this very real and relatable for me :)

Yesss!!! Those little what some might call "imperfections".. Are what makes this just perfect!! Music as raw and beautiful as it gets!! Just part of the process in making pure magic. Xx Much love.

this is the cutest and sweetest thing ever Highland needs these kind of teachers ALL schools need these teachers <3

now, why am I not surprised that Michael is not the first child in Chorus on the spectrum? Makes the whole Chorus even more awesome if that's even possible. And speaks for my hypothesis that Mr. B teaches so much more than 'just' singing.

Wow! Thanks for sharing, Kathy! I so appreciate dedicated teachers who teach kids that anything is possible & that there is joy & value everywhere!

I've been following PS22 on YT for some time, having been a fan since day one. This time -it wasn't the just the music that moved me. Mr. B, and PS22 you have given a priceless gift to this family - the gift of acceptance. I know what this is like Kathy, my son is autistic, paces & sings...especially with too much auditory stimulation. He is now 18, and I love him more than words could say. To be accepted as who you are, son AND mother, is a gift that just keeps on giving!! ~Bless you all~

Terrific job. We are lucky to have teachers who give it their all for the sake of tomorrow. I think Ingrid is so special. And the kids are beautiful. Thanks for making my day.

the beginning was hilarious, i do that all the time :P You guys did an amazing team work I love Ingrid <3