Children's Choir's Captivating Performance of 'Home On The Range' - More Music

This video is a clip of the PS22 Chorus singing the classic song, ‘Home On the Range.’

The Chorus is made up of around 60-70 4th and 5th graders from Public School 22 in Staten Island, New York, who know how to make lovely music. 

The PS22 Chorus was founded in 2000 by the school’s music teacher, Gregg Breinberg. He led his 2001-2002 chorus to live TV after September 11th. They have since gained popularity online. 

Students are assigned to the Chorus after an annual auditioning process at the beginning of the school year. They practice a couple of times a week and perform at school functions, local events, and for special requests.

PS22 is the largest elementary school in Staten Island, and its Chorus is quite wonderful. The kids are passionate about music, and they have been able to explore many opportunities over the years, such as singing with artists such as Katy Perry and Carrie Underwood. 

The song ‘Home On the Range’ is a classic cowboy song and is sometimes called the unofficial anthem of the American West. The song began as a poem called ‘My Western Home’ in 1872 or 1873. The writer, Dr. Brewster M. Higley, was inspired by his new home in Kansas. He lived in a small cabin near West Beaver Creek.

A friend of his, Daniel E. Kelley, developed a melody for the poem on his guitar. Many adopted the song, and it spread throughout the United States. The song was also adopted as the state song of Kansas in the 1940s. 

With its catchy tune and lyrics, many know the words by heart, and it is a reminder of America’s past in the Old West. 

“Home, home on the Range;

Where the deer and the antelope play;

Where seldom is heard, a discouraging word,

And the skies are not cloudy all day.”

“And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places;” - Isaiah 31:18