Rhythm
Sacramento, California | Film Short
Documentary, Biography
Floyd Kennedy’s drumline was more than music—it was a place of hope, discipline, and belonging. Now retired, Floyd reflects on his journey of mentorship to prepare for what's next. Guided by faith, he finds purpose in small, meaningful connections that continue to shape lives.
Rhythm
Sacramento, California | Film Short
Documentary, Biography
1 Campaigns | California, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $12,830 for distribution. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
44 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
Floyd Kennedy’s drumline was more than music—it was a place of hope, discipline, and belonging. Now retired, Floyd reflects on his journey of mentorship to prepare for what's next. Guided by faith, he finds purpose in small, meaningful connections that continue to shape lives.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
For over 40 years, Floyd Kennedy has been more than a music teacher—he’s been a mentor, leader, and advocate. His drumline at Natomas High School started small but became a nationally recognized ensemble. For many, it wasn’t just about music—it was the reason they stayed in school.
The drumline that defined Floyd’s career has ended, and for the first time in decades, he’s asking: What’s next?
Rhythm follows Floyd as he navigates life after the program that shaped a generation. Searching for his next chapter, he travels to the Gospel Music Workshop of America, where he rediscovers the power of one-on-one teaching. He relearns that teaching just one student the right way can transform entire families and communities.
This short documentary is more than a tribute. It’s about reinvention, legacy, and the quiet impact of mentorship. It’s also a reminder of why people like Floyd matter, and why the programs that allow them to teach must exist.
The Story Behind Rhythm:
After a career as a professional drummer, Floyd Kennedy began teaching special education at Natomas High School in Sacramento, CA, in 2002. Seeing the impact music could have, he built a drumline from no funding or resources—just a belief in his students.
What began as students drumming on buckets and boards evolved into a nationally recognized band, performing across California and beyond. The drumline became a lifeline, helping students develop leadership, confidence, and a sense of purpose. For many, Floyd’s program was the reason they graduated high school, pursuing life paths they never imagined.
But after over 20 years of instruction, the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the drumline’s first world tour. While the program remains, it has not fully regained its former momentum.
Now, as Floyd nears retirement, he faces a challenge: What happens when the work that once defined you is gone? Rhythm captures this pivotal moment, following Floyd as he searches for his next step—one that will allow him to keep making an impact beyond the classroom, without the drumline.
About the Film:
Floyd’s story is not about loss—it’s about change. At its core, Rhythm is about one man finding purpose beyond what once defined him. His story is about finding aspirations in
unexpected places and realizing that impact isn’t about how many people you reach, but how deeply you’re reaching them.
Through his journey, Rhythm explores:
- How mentorship extends beyond the classroom
- The power of reinvention and finding new purpose
- Why people like Floyd matter not just as teachers, but as role models who shape lives.
Drumming was never just about music—it was about building character, discipline, and self-worth. The same lessons that Floyd once taught to classrooms, he now sees as a way to continue his purpose—guiding and shaping lives, one student at a time.
Why We’re Making this Film:
Floyd’s story is universal. We all experience change, redefine our paths, and experience moments where we question our impact.
Director Asher Bloom began drumming at age eight under one of Floyd’s former students. Eventually, he studied directly with Floyd, where he experienced firsthand the power of his guidance and its ripple effects.
For so many students, having one person who believes in them changes everything. And Rhythm is a claim to that—to the teachers and mentors who invest in their students’ growth and passions, shaping the people they’ll become.
As filmmakers and artists, we’re inspired by Floyd’s legacy and driven by the same purpose to tell stories that make an impact. Floyd’s story is one of many, and by telling it, we aim to shed light on the educators who keep these programs alive despite systemic obstacles.
What We’ve Accomplished:
- Over 50 hours of interviews, archival footage, and documentary coverage.
- Captured Floyd’s classroom at the Gospel Music Workshop of America in Memphis, Tennessee
- Networked at SXSW, gaining valuable industry feedback and momentum.
We’re so close to finishing this film, but we need your help to cross the finish line.
Where Your Contribution Goes:
Your support directly funds the completion and promotion of Rhythm, making sure it reaches the audiences who need it most
- Post-Production: To complete Rhythm, we need to compensate professional post-production specialists (editor, colorist, sound mixer) to craft the edit the story deserves.
- Music Licensing: Secure rights to the music tracks Floyd used to teach.
- Festival Submissions & Outreach: Get this film in front of decision-makers, educators, and arts advocates.
Every dollar amplifies Floyd’s story and strengthens the impact for teaching and arts education.
Why Now?
At a time when a positive educator’s work is more impactful—and more precarious—than ever, Floyd’s story shines a light on what’s at stake. Amid shifting educational priorities that have left many creative programs on uncertain ground, the lifelong mentorship Floyd provided isn’t just inspiring—it’s indispensable. By finishing this film now, we preserve his legacy for the students, families, and communities he has touched, while championing the very programs and individuals that transform lives.
Your support helps us bring this film to life and preserves Floyd’s legacy for the students, families, and communities he has touched.
How You Can Help:
Donations are crucial to getting this film across the finish line, but there are many other ways to support Rhythm and help us bring Floyd's story to life:
- Donate: Help bring this film to life and keep arts education alive
- Follow our campaign: Each follow boosts our visibility and helps us reach our goal
- Share this project: Spread the word. Send to friends, fellow artists, educators, or anyone passionate about arts education and mentorship.
- Stay Engaged: Comment, like, and spread the word on social media. Every bit of support counts.
What Happens if We Surpass Our Goal?
More funding means:
- More visibility: Expanded outreach & festival submissions
- More impact: Bring this story into classrooms as an educational tool.
- More efforts towards Post-Production: Enhancing the quality of the film and getting as close as possible to our creative vision.
Stretch Goal #1: Level Up Our Post-Production Audio $19,000
Hitting this goal allows us to elevate Rhythm by bringing in an award-winning post-production sound mixer to ensure every note, voice, and moment resonates clearly, powerfully, and authentically.
Stretch Goal #2: Expanded Festival Outreach $22,500
Achieving this goal enables us to submit Rhythm to more film festivals, including international workshops. Your support will help Floyd’s inspiring story reach a wider, global audience, amplifying its impact and connecting communities around the world.
Stretch Goal #3: Festival Travel & Representation $23,500
Reaching this goal enables our team to attend key festivals in person, champion Floyd’s story face-to-face, and foster valuable industry connections. Your support ensures Rhythm resonates with diverse audiences worldwide, securing more recognition.
Stretch Goal #4: Compensating Our Core Crew $25,000
By meeting this goal, we can fairly compensate the passionate filmmakers who have invested countless hours into making Rhythm happen. Your contribution directly reimburses the team for their gas, food, equipment, and time, ensuring both quality and sustainability for our documentary.
Your support, big or small, makes a difference. Thank you for joining us on this incredible journey!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Post-Production Fund
Costs $8,350
To complete Rhythm, we need to support production costs at the professional level it deserves!
Creative Enhancements (Final Touches)
Costs $3,750
We need funding to complete Rhythm, ensuring a polished, impactful film that brings Floyd’s story to life and reaches the right audience.
Post-Production Hardware
Costs $310
We have over 50+ hours of footage and we need a place to keep them safe and backed-up!
Festival Submissions
Costs $1,200
Film festivals are the gateway to audiences, and we want to make sure that Rhythm is seen by the people who need to see it most.
Travel Reimbursement
Costs $2,100
Every dollar raised for travel reimbursement directly contributes to the completion of Rhythm!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Asher Bloom is a Sacramento-based interdisciplinary director/producer with 7+ years of experience creating films, music videos, and immersive experiences. As a film school graduate and drum teacher, Asher prioritizes fostering meaningful creative collaboration through a people-first approach. Through a deep understanding of narrative and new technology like Unreal Engine 5, Asher has helped craft stories for brands like the NBA, McDonalds, TEDx, Blackwing, and Billboard Award-winning artists.
Alejandro Valdes-Rochin is an award-winning editor and producer with over 20 years of experience collaborating on non-fiction productions, including feature films, TV series, and short-form work. His projects have been shown theatrically and on outlets such as National Geographic, Netflix, HBO, Al-Jazeera, PBS, and Red Bull TV. Among them is Science Fair, which earned the first-ever Festival Favorite Award at the Sundance Film Festival and an Emmy in the Outstanding Science and Technology Documentary category.
Peter Williams is an experienced photographer and cinematographer from Stockton, CA. As an adaptable creative, Peter is just as comfortable delivering excellent results on a high-budget commercial shoot as he is on a run-and-gun documentary. His work has been featured in films, documentaries, and commercials at film festivals and galleries throughout California.
Annie Cui grew up in Davis, CA and is now based in Brooklyn, NY. She’s produced various marketing campaigns for TV shows, such as Emily in Paris, Never Have I Ever, Outer Banks, and American Horror Stories. She’s also one of the producers for the short film, SEPPUKU IN THE PARK. She's excited to be working on a story that highlights the importance of teachers and the arts, especially as someone who benefited greatly from these same programs growing up.
Achish Enriquez is an emerging producer and motion designer who focuses on telling impactful stories. Achish is driven to create meaningful films about education advocacy and is dedicated to giving young filmmakers opportunities. Her work is a testament to her ability to combine creativity, business, and purpose.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
For over 40 years, Floyd Kennedy has been more than a music teacher—he’s been a mentor, leader, and advocate. His drumline at Natomas High School started small but became a nationally recognized ensemble. For many, it wasn’t just about music—it was the reason they stayed in school.
The drumline that defined Floyd’s career has ended, and for the first time in decades, he’s asking: What’s next?
Rhythm follows Floyd as he navigates life after the program that shaped a generation. Searching for his next chapter, he travels to the Gospel Music Workshop of America, where he rediscovers the power of one-on-one teaching. He relearns that teaching just one student the right way can transform entire families and communities.
This short documentary is more than a tribute. It’s about reinvention, legacy, and the quiet impact of mentorship. It’s also a reminder of why people like Floyd matter, and why the programs that allow them to teach must exist.
The Story Behind Rhythm:
After a career as a professional drummer, Floyd Kennedy began teaching special education at Natomas High School in Sacramento, CA, in 2002. Seeing the impact music could have, he built a drumline from no funding or resources—just a belief in his students.
What began as students drumming on buckets and boards evolved into a nationally recognized band, performing across California and beyond. The drumline became a lifeline, helping students develop leadership, confidence, and a sense of purpose. For many, Floyd’s program was the reason they graduated high school, pursuing life paths they never imagined.
But after over 20 years of instruction, the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the drumline’s first world tour. While the program remains, it has not fully regained its former momentum.
Now, as Floyd nears retirement, he faces a challenge: What happens when the work that once defined you is gone? Rhythm captures this pivotal moment, following Floyd as he searches for his next step—one that will allow him to keep making an impact beyond the classroom, without the drumline.
About the Film:
Floyd’s story is not about loss—it’s about change. At its core, Rhythm is about one man finding purpose beyond what once defined him. His story is about finding aspirations in
unexpected places and realizing that impact isn’t about how many people you reach, but how deeply you’re reaching them.
Through his journey, Rhythm explores:
- How mentorship extends beyond the classroom
- The power of reinvention and finding new purpose
- Why people like Floyd matter not just as teachers, but as role models who shape lives.
Drumming was never just about music—it was about building character, discipline, and self-worth. The same lessons that Floyd once taught to classrooms, he now sees as a way to continue his purpose—guiding and shaping lives, one student at a time.
Why We’re Making this Film:
Floyd’s story is universal. We all experience change, redefine our paths, and experience moments where we question our impact.
Director Asher Bloom began drumming at age eight under one of Floyd’s former students. Eventually, he studied directly with Floyd, where he experienced firsthand the power of his guidance and its ripple effects.
For so many students, having one person who believes in them changes everything. And Rhythm is a claim to that—to the teachers and mentors who invest in their students’ growth and passions, shaping the people they’ll become.
As filmmakers and artists, we’re inspired by Floyd’s legacy and driven by the same purpose to tell stories that make an impact. Floyd’s story is one of many, and by telling it, we aim to shed light on the educators who keep these programs alive despite systemic obstacles.
What We’ve Accomplished:
- Over 50 hours of interviews, archival footage, and documentary coverage.
- Captured Floyd’s classroom at the Gospel Music Workshop of America in Memphis, Tennessee
- Networked at SXSW, gaining valuable industry feedback and momentum.
We’re so close to finishing this film, but we need your help to cross the finish line.
Where Your Contribution Goes:
Your support directly funds the completion and promotion of Rhythm, making sure it reaches the audiences who need it most
- Post-Production: To complete Rhythm, we need to compensate professional post-production specialists (editor, colorist, sound mixer) to craft the edit the story deserves.
- Music Licensing: Secure rights to the music tracks Floyd used to teach.
- Festival Submissions & Outreach: Get this film in front of decision-makers, educators, and arts advocates.
Every dollar amplifies Floyd’s story and strengthens the impact for teaching and arts education.
Why Now?
At a time when a positive educator’s work is more impactful—and more precarious—than ever, Floyd’s story shines a light on what’s at stake. Amid shifting educational priorities that have left many creative programs on uncertain ground, the lifelong mentorship Floyd provided isn’t just inspiring—it’s indispensable. By finishing this film now, we preserve his legacy for the students, families, and communities he has touched, while championing the very programs and individuals that transform lives.
Your support helps us bring this film to life and preserves Floyd’s legacy for the students, families, and communities he has touched.
How You Can Help:
Donations are crucial to getting this film across the finish line, but there are many other ways to support Rhythm and help us bring Floyd's story to life:
- Donate: Help bring this film to life and keep arts education alive
- Follow our campaign: Each follow boosts our visibility and helps us reach our goal
- Share this project: Spread the word. Send to friends, fellow artists, educators, or anyone passionate about arts education and mentorship.
- Stay Engaged: Comment, like, and spread the word on social media. Every bit of support counts.
What Happens if We Surpass Our Goal?
More funding means:
- More visibility: Expanded outreach & festival submissions
- More impact: Bring this story into classrooms as an educational tool.
- More efforts towards Post-Production: Enhancing the quality of the film and getting as close as possible to our creative vision.
Stretch Goal #1: Level Up Our Post-Production Audio $19,000
Hitting this goal allows us to elevate Rhythm by bringing in an award-winning post-production sound mixer to ensure every note, voice, and moment resonates clearly, powerfully, and authentically.
Stretch Goal #2: Expanded Festival Outreach $22,500
Achieving this goal enables us to submit Rhythm to more film festivals, including international workshops. Your support will help Floyd’s inspiring story reach a wider, global audience, amplifying its impact and connecting communities around the world.
Stretch Goal #3: Festival Travel & Representation $23,500
Reaching this goal enables our team to attend key festivals in person, champion Floyd’s story face-to-face, and foster valuable industry connections. Your support ensures Rhythm resonates with diverse audiences worldwide, securing more recognition.
Stretch Goal #4: Compensating Our Core Crew $25,000
By meeting this goal, we can fairly compensate the passionate filmmakers who have invested countless hours into making Rhythm happen. Your contribution directly reimburses the team for their gas, food, equipment, and time, ensuring both quality and sustainability for our documentary.
Your support, big or small, makes a difference. Thank you for joining us on this incredible journey!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Post-Production Fund
Costs $8,350
To complete Rhythm, we need to support production costs at the professional level it deserves!
Creative Enhancements (Final Touches)
Costs $3,750
We need funding to complete Rhythm, ensuring a polished, impactful film that brings Floyd’s story to life and reaches the right audience.
Post-Production Hardware
Costs $310
We have over 50+ hours of footage and we need a place to keep them safe and backed-up!
Festival Submissions
Costs $1,200
Film festivals are the gateway to audiences, and we want to make sure that Rhythm is seen by the people who need to see it most.
Travel Reimbursement
Costs $2,100
Every dollar raised for travel reimbursement directly contributes to the completion of Rhythm!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Asher Bloom is a Sacramento-based interdisciplinary director/producer with 7+ years of experience creating films, music videos, and immersive experiences. As a film school graduate and drum teacher, Asher prioritizes fostering meaningful creative collaboration through a people-first approach. Through a deep understanding of narrative and new technology like Unreal Engine 5, Asher has helped craft stories for brands like the NBA, McDonalds, TEDx, Blackwing, and Billboard Award-winning artists.
Alejandro Valdes-Rochin is an award-winning editor and producer with over 20 years of experience collaborating on non-fiction productions, including feature films, TV series, and short-form work. His projects have been shown theatrically and on outlets such as National Geographic, Netflix, HBO, Al-Jazeera, PBS, and Red Bull TV. Among them is Science Fair, which earned the first-ever Festival Favorite Award at the Sundance Film Festival and an Emmy in the Outstanding Science and Technology Documentary category.
Peter Williams is an experienced photographer and cinematographer from Stockton, CA. As an adaptable creative, Peter is just as comfortable delivering excellent results on a high-budget commercial shoot as he is on a run-and-gun documentary. His work has been featured in films, documentaries, and commercials at film festivals and galleries throughout California.
Annie Cui grew up in Davis, CA and is now based in Brooklyn, NY. She’s produced various marketing campaigns for TV shows, such as Emily in Paris, Never Have I Ever, Outer Banks, and American Horror Stories. She’s also one of the producers for the short film, SEPPUKU IN THE PARK. She's excited to be working on a story that highlights the importance of teachers and the arts, especially as someone who benefited greatly from these same programs growing up.
Achish Enriquez is an emerging producer and motion designer who focuses on telling impactful stories. Achish is driven to create meaningful films about education advocacy and is dedicated to giving young filmmakers opportunities. Her work is a testament to her ability to combine creativity, business, and purpose.