Win Tickets to see Will Stroet in Concert!!

Join Will Stroet, the star of Will's Jams on Kids' CBC, with his Backyard Band for a high-energy musical concert in English and French with fun actions and sing-a-long choruses on Sunday, November 23 at the Bronson Centre's Mac Hall. They'll have you cheering for libraries, loving your bike and rallying for vegetables with your dinner - all while you're on your feet and dancing away.  Doors open at 3:30 pm with the hour-long concert starting at 4 pm. Advance tickets are $12 each or $40 for a four-pack at www.willottawa.eventbrite.ca or $15 at the door (1 yr. and under are free).  Limited seating so buy tickets early! Ottawa's Rock the Arts Puppetry will be hosting the show!

Win a CD and a 4 pack of Tickets to the show!

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I spoke with Will and asked him some questions about his musical career. Here is what he had to say;

1. When and why did you start playing?

I started playing music when I was 4 years old. The violin was my first instrument. When I hit high school I started playing guitar and haven’t looked back since. I started writing songs for kids when I was studying to become a teacher at UBC. I wrote some songs and tested them out with students at my practicum school as well as my fellow teacher candidates and they were hits. I knew I was on to something.

2. Which instruments do you play?

My main instrument is the guitar. I play acoustic, electric, ukulele and some bass. I grew up playing the violin and those early days learning an instrument have served me really well.

3. What was the first song you learned?

On violin as a little kid it was “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.” Pretty standard I guess. On guitar I can’t honestly remember, but probably something by Led Zeppelin.

4. Which musicians do you admire? Why?

I am a fan of many styles of music, but when it comes to musicians I admire I’d have to say it all those independent artists across Canada right now working so hard to make a living in the music business. There are so many fantastic musicians in Canada right now who make great music in every genre you can imagine. To make it as a musician these days you have to be very creative, determined and entrepreneurial and those are all traits I admire.

5. Who was your first teacher?

I had a number of violin teachers over the years, but I’ll tell you about my guitar teacher who really got me very excited about music. His name is Rob Montgomery, a local musician from here in Vancouver, who I grew up across the street from. He was a real mentor to me in my teen years and took me under his wing. I learned a lot from him, not just about music, but also about self-confidence and having a positive outlook. He is an amazing man who continues to inspire his fans and students both young and old here in Vancouver.

6. What are your fondest musical memories?

One specific memory I have from my childhood was meeting a fiddle player from Newfoundland at Expo 86 in Vancouver when I was 8 years old. His name was Rufus Guinchard and I think it was one of the first times I saw someone play fiddle music. My parents invited him to dinner at our house and I even got to show him my violin and we played together a bit as well. It was a special and unique opportunity and his style (which included tucking his violin into his shirt while he played) made me realize that there are many ways to make music. It taught me that music is an experience you share, it’s not just writing on a page.

7. Do you get nervous before a performance?

No. I’ve done over 1000 performances for young audiences. I live for live performances. My favourite place to be is behind a microphone with my guitar singing for families.

8. What advice would you give to beginners who would like to start playing instruments and/or singing?

First of all, do it! There are countless reasons to learn to play music, perhaps the most important one is that it is fun! My second piece of advice is to try to find a teacher that inspires you in some way. A good teacher will mean the difference between sticking with it or losing interest.

9. What will the kids want to know about you?

My favourite colours are Blue and Orange. My favourite instrument, other than the ones I play, is the accordion.

I have two little girls named Ella (4) and June (4 months). In the end of the “Full of Beans” video Ella is the one who toots!