Matt Tracey K-12 Fine & Performing Arts Chairperson

2025-2026 marks the Thirty-ninth year for Mr. Tracey at Ridgefield Memorial High School and the Ridgefield Board of Education. Mr. Tracey began his tenure in Ridgfield in 1987, where he was hired and put in charge of rebuilding the music and instrumental music programs. In 1991, Mr. Tracey became the K-12 Supervisor for the Music program. In addition to his duties coordinating and facilitating the operation of the fine arts program, he also serves as the High School director of the Concert and Jazz bands.

 

Mr. Tracey has a formidable background in the Marching Arts as a member of the World Champion Garfield Cadets Drum & Bugle Corps. He then went on to instruct the former World Champion Bushwacker Senior Drum & Bugle Corps and Canadian National Champion Dutchboy Drum & Bugle Corps.

 

Mr. Tracey led the Marching Royals Marching Band for thirty-two years, with performances in California, Canada, Florida, Chicago, and throughout the United States. Under Mr. Tracey's direction, the band performed in numerous high-profile events, including Halftime for the New York Jets, Performances for Michael Jordan, the Walt Disney Company, Paramount Pictures, and many others. The band also performed at Madison Square Garden over sixty times for various high-profile events.

 

Mr. Tracey is also an active professional Trombonist, having worked with many of the world's top musical artists. He performed at Marc Anthony's Madison Square Garden Concert when Jennifer Lopez performed vocally for the first time. He has also served as the musical director for many of Latin music's top stars, including Frankie Negron. Notable performances with Tito Puente, Tito Nieves, Ray Sepulveda, George Lamond, Larry Harlow, Brenda K. Starr, Lizette Melendez, Frankie Ruiz, Rey Ruiz, Johnny Rivera, Lizette Melendez, Servando y Florentino, Moncho Santana, Ruben Blades, and many others.

 

He is also a recording artist, having played on numerous Platinum-selling recordings covering many genres of music, including Latin, Jazz, Gospel, Funk, R&B, and Classical music. Mr. Tracey has also appeared in numerous movies, music videos, and television shows.

 

Mr. Tracey looks forward to a fantastic year filled with incredible growth, progress, and outstanding student musical performances.