Whenever you traverse down the computer science hallway, it’s inevitable: your ears will be blessed by whatever music Mr. Woffinden and Mr. Hood have deemed appropriate for the vibe of the day. From Nicki Minaj to the Kid Laroi, Imagine Dragons, and Mariah Carey, any genre or artist is possible.

“I ask my students almost every day ‘what’s the genre we’re shooting for?’ And I’ll adjust based on their answers from that,” photography and web design teacher Benjamin Hood said.

 Hood’s utilization of music to connect with students is also echoed in computer science teacher Jeffrey Woffinden’s classroom music selection.

“I can set a vibe in the classroom and when the kids walk in they just know that it’s going to be an active, energetic day, or it’s a test day, and it’s going to be quieter and mellow, or it’s a workday, so it’s going to be pop,” Woffinden said.

This near-constant playing of music is not a new development in either of their lives. Music has served as an anchor for both Woffinden and Hood for as long as they can remember.

“I don’t know how everyone else in the world is, but my life has a soundtrack for it. So, from as far back as I can remember, music was always being played and so there are things in my life or moments in my day that certain songs just go with,” Woffinden said.

“I feel that playing music actually keeps me calmer and focused, and even if it’s loud, obnoxious music, I find that it’s quite soothing to me. It keeps me centered,” Hood said.

This connection to music that the two men share is not unique to them, and it’s no secret that music has the powerful ability to bring people together. This power is something it seems both teachers are trying to take advantage of.

“I personally find that it helps me connect with students, and I actually see better engagement while the music is being played,” Hood said.

I can personally attest that working in Mr. Hood’s classroom while his music is playing is an enjoyable way to get some work done. So, if you’re ever in need of a little pick-me-up or some song recommendations, make the journey down to the downstairs 5100 hallway. It’ll be worth it.