The Rhythm Track

"I watched the video yesterday entitled 'The Rhythm Track' and I enjoyed it very much. Many school age students are fascinated with music and watch television shows such a MTV, VH1, & BET. They aspire to be great musicians as well and I feel that these programs and shows do not always portray the musicians as 'great' role models and gear their videos as if everyone has extravagant lifestyles, fancy cars, and a lot of money. Unfortunately most of our students' lives are not like what is depicted within the videos and they end up with a false sense of reality.

"The gentleman in the video entitled 'The Rhythm Track' is a fabulous role model and appears very professional. He exhibits a love for music and it shows in what he does. As with all of the videos I have watch so far, they display all kinds of professions with all types of people – it shows real diversity. It is very positive to portray every child's culture to show them that they can be anything they want as long as they stay in school and follow their dreams. Students are engaged when they can see everyday people doing everyday things. They are able to make those real life connections and aspire to be like the people that motivate them. The video demonstrates only one reason or career path to show why Math is such a valuable tool and there are so many other reasons and careers. The man in the video talked about multiplication, division, subtraction, and addition while demonstrating how he must use those skills within his profession. Most kids would not even realize that those skills were involved, because he made it look easy and fun! He kept me engaged and I enjoyed learning from all of the videos even as an adult.

"I could see teaching a lesson geared towards upper elementary and middle school discussing fractions – equivalent fractions, reducing, multiplying, dividing, finding common denominators, etc.

"You could also apply this video to teach students beats per minute, beats per second, compare which one has more beats, which rhythm requires more beats per second or minute, greater than or less than. Students could also journal write, compare and contrast, or investigate the different styles of music that were presented within a math journal.

"Endless possibilities!!!! Thanks for the video and your efforts to enhance the education of our future and motivate our students!!!!"

Melissa Herrera
Pasadena ISD,
Pasadena, Texas

The Rhythm Track Now Playing

Have you ever had students say to you, "I don’t need math, I’m going to be a musician!" Why not introduce them to world-renowned drummer Ndugu Chancler, who explains why math is essential to music?
Running time 6:35 minutes.

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