Moving Beyond Boring with Darnell White

Darnell White, Musician in Residence at the Community Church of New York, joins Rev. Peggy Clarke and Jil Novenski in a discussion about the transformative power of music in spaces of worship and togetherness. They explore how music can both move people on an individual level and create a sense of community. They also discuss how the Community Church has leaned into a new approach to music to create more inclusive and engaging worship. Darnell shares his journey from a Baptist background that at times felt exclusionary to finding a safe and welcoming space in the Unitarian Universalist church. The conversation highlights the importance of collaboration, trust, and vulnerability in creating meaningful religious rituals and authentic communities.

Born in Harlem, Darnell White is a graduate of LaGuardia High School for Music and Art and The Julliard School. A noted staple in New York City’s music scene, Darnell has developed a pristine reputation as a performer, composer, and musical director. He’s collaborated with noted artists and graced the stages of New York’s major venues including Birdland, Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and Smokey Joe’s cafe. Both as a vocalist & instrumentalist, Darnell is well versed in many genres as he believes music should always be approached first from a place of pure expression. It is indeed the desire to share his expressions through the gift of music that have left no style or genre outside his reach, including jazz, opera, contemporary gospel, classical, and musical theatre. Darnell joined the Community Church of New York team as Musician in Residence in 2022.

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