Past Event: Religion & Film Series | You Can't Sing It For Them

You Can't Sing It For Them movie clip

This event has passed.

Location: Whitney Humanities Center Auditorium
53 Wall St.
New Haven, CT 06511

Open To: General Public

Admission: Free

Description: The film follows Jonathan Q. Berryman (MM,’96), a wisecracking, professionally trained Director of Music, as he works tirelessly to revitalize his church’s deteriorating choral program so that the entire breadth of African American sacred music can be sung. Co-directed by Margot Fassler and Jacqueline Richard.

Film synopsis:

Traditional church choirs are shrinking in congregations across the country. In African American churches, many fear that if the choir disappears, so too will their diverse religious repertoire; arguably, the greatest body of music created on American soil. ”You Can’t Sing it for Them” follows Jonathan Berryman, a wisecracking, professionally trained Director of Music, as he works tirelessly to revitalize his church’s deteriorating choral program so that the entire breath of African American sacred music can continue to be sung. Because Messiah Baptist is replete with opinionated congregants and a charismatic minister, the film provides an entertaining but honest portrait of the life of a contemporary church musician, while exploring the timeless topics of sacred repertoire, religious calling, and personal and institutional change.

You Can’t Sing it For Them Clip 1 - Introduction

You Can’t Sing it For Them Clip 2 - Merger Meeting to Diner

You Can’t Sing it For Them Clip 3 - 80 right notes and 20 wrongs ones

You Can’t Sing it For Them Clip 4  - Stand By Me

You Can’t Sing it For Them Clip 5 - JQB Music Background

You Can’t Sing it For Them Clip 6 - Nuts and Bolts