The Drive to Sing

Directed by Bryce Denney

Synopsis: When the COVID-19 pandemic forced musical activities to shut down in March 2020, singers searched for ways to stay connected and sing live music together. Online solutions such as Zoom helped groups socially, but did not allow a choir to rehearse and perform together. Several tech-savvy musicians turned to old-school audio technology to organize parking lot choirs, with each singer safely isolated in their own car. The idea spread through social media across the US and Canada, and reached the attention of the New York Times, the Today Show, and NPR. "The Drive to Sing" tells the story of the parking lot choir, the cast of characters who worked together to develop and refine it, and the singers who kept their musical communities going during this time of fear and isolation.

I remember when COVID-19 first hit. I remember my disappointment as movie theaters closed and concerts I had tickets for were cancelled as the country basically shut down. As someone who is very introverted, these events were crucial to me for feeling a part of a community. Not only were theaters and concerts venues closed but churches were closed as well.

While I’m not religious I used to be and I was part of my churches choir. I remember the enjoyment and sense of closeness and community I got from being a part of it. Had I still been in choir when COVID hit I can imagine the effects it had on me to be devastating.

The Drive to Sing was utterly fascinating. Seeing groups of singers band together to find a safe solution to be able to sing together and renew their lost sense of community was inspiring. I found it interesting that several groups in different locations across the country came up with similar ideas simultaneously. The way these separate communities, united by their love of singing, were able to band together to create an interconnected network to help each other spread information and resources throughout the country (and the world) is mind blowing. It showed me to never underestimate the human spirit and ability to band together during dark times to help each other survive and keep hope alive.

The Drive to Sing is inspiring, uplifting and shows how people can band together for a common cause and nor only keep their community alive, but allow it to grow.

Score: 4.0 out of 5