Meet the Orchestra

Music and Math

This recording explores the math inside the music. word of sound and explore the math in some great music that’s going to make you want to tap your feet and clap your hands . Musicians are truly mathematicians on the fly.  They are constantly evaluating complex concepts as they relate to addition, subtraction, fractions and form – all of those topics you are now studying in school They will lead you through some exercises you can do at home or in school so you too will find the math inside the music! They’ll be asking you questions like “what is rhythm – how is a time signature like a fraction, why counting is so important”.

The NY-CT Percussion ensemble features:

Joe McCarthy, a Latin Grammy® Award Winning founder, leader, producer and drummer of The New York Afro Bop Alliance Big Band.  Joe has conducted clinics and masterclasses throughout the world. 

Percussionist/educator/composer/arranger, Victor Rendón, is a sought after New York City musician who has had a lengthy career teaching instrumental music and Latin percussion in the New York City Public Schools.

GRAMMY NOMINATED Percussionist  Wilson “Chembo” Corniel Jr.has a distinguished career as an educator, performer, producer and composer.

A word of thanks to our sponsors, the Cornelia T Bailey Foundation, Pequot Library, the Ct Partnership for the arts and Music for Youth who helped make this series possible.

This recording includes:

Mambo #4         Comp/Arr. Victor Rendon

Introduction/conversation discussing Math/Music from the standpoints of the members of the Trio.

Obaloke– Percussion Trio for Drum Set and 2 Bata   Comp/Arr. Victor Rendon

Demonstration/discussion about the history of the bata drum, clave and how these relate to Math/Music.

Suite for Two Snare Drums       Comp.  Alexander Lepak

Discussion about time signatures, combinations of rhythm, ensemble playing and the vast importance and possibilities rhythm bring to the structure and motion of music.

         Descarga        Comp Victor Rendon/Chembo Corniel/Joe McCarthy

Closing discussion about the importance of improvisation and the relation to Math/Music as well as final thoughts/advice from the Trio about the program and the students continued study of music.