Lisa Johnson Mandell’s The Drive to Sing review says the story of determination and creative grit in the face of challenge makes this music doc worth the watch.

The Drive to Sing is a heartwarming documentary that hit me right where it feels. Although set in the era of COVID-19, it’s a timeless reminder that music has this incredible superpower to lift spirits and add a sprinkle of joy to our lives.

You will follow the fascinating journey of Bryce and Katherine Denney, the power couple behind a worldwide choir that proves distance couldn’t keep people apart during those challenging times. The film also pays tribute to the unsung heroes who made our quarantine days a tad brighter.

Remember the whole essential vs. non-essential gig? Doctors, nurses, cooks, delivery drivers—total heroes. On the flip side, our creative pals got labeled “non-essential.” But hold on! The Drive to Sing gives a much-needed nod to the creative minds who kept the entertainment alive.

While it was impossible for these folks to continue operating as they normally would, it was actually their work that kept everyone entertained—screenwriters, actors, musicians, and yes, choirs. The Drive to Sing takes the idea of art as relief from the pandemic and explores it on a community level. While large-scale productions were grounded, so were countless community groups and troupes across the world.

This doc explores how music creates a bond, bringing people together through the good and the bad. The struggles of Zoom rehearsals? Been there, done that—wonky internet connections kept choirs from being able to sing in perfect harmony, so that option was out. Enter Kathryn and Bryce, on a mission to find a better way.

There’s a shoutout to an ingenious man named David Newman for cracking the code and getting people to sing together safely, plus a DIY diagram that was shared with choir leaders from all over. The leaders of these various singing groups didn’t just put their activities on hold; they found ways around their imposed limitations.

The Drive to Sing delves deep into the magical connection that music creates when we raise our voices together. In the documentary, singers spill their hearts out, sharing how the music flows through them and their choir buddies, creating this powerful wave of positivity that reaches anyone tuned in. As the melodies weave through, something special happens—this undeniable sense of belonging blossoms. It’s more than just singing; it’s a shared experience that wraps them in a warm embrace. These activities aren’t mere hobbies; they’re lifelines, essential for the well-being of these passionate voices.

Sure, The Drive to Sing might not look like a cinematic masterpiece—it feels more like a cozy YouTube show than a high-budget documentary. But who needs all the glitz when you’ve got the raw beauty of music and a heartfelt message? And can we talk about those recordings? Brahms’s requiem from “Chorus Pro Musica” gave me goosebumps—it sounds like it was recorded in a grand cathedral, not in a bunch of cars.

In a nutshell, The Drive to Sing is more than just a documentary; it’s a reminder to keep the community spirit alive, especially when times are tough. Grab your tissues and give it a watch—it’s a moving experience you won’t want to miss.

Not Rated
1 Hour, 15 minutes

If this The Drive to Sing review makes you want to open your ears and sing along, you can catch it for free on Tubi.

Lisa Johnson Mandell’s The Drive to Sing review says the story of determination and creative grit in the face of challenge makes this music doc worth the watch.