The Wandering Minstrel
(formerly The International Music Man)
Grades K - 6  Also good for evening performances with parents.

Centered around Paul’s song “I Found It In A Book,” this show is designed to encourage students to read and to be self-motivated in teaching themselves life skills.

Demonstrating the song flute, the standard orchestral flute, the piccolo, the African mbira, the Kalimba and the guitar, Paul traces his own career as a modern day wandering minstrel giving credit to books as the source for many of his communication skills.             

A delightful African story about a python who was a doctor is included and the program ends with some universally appealing string figures.

To hear a short extract from the theme song, click here: "I Found It In A Book"

Book this performance.

Evaluation from The Music Center, Education Division:

Paul Tracey presented his stories and songs in an intimate classroom setting to a group of 30 second graders who had him all to themselves. "I hope he comes back again!" one boy exclaimed as he left the performance. "I liked it," a little girl chimed in. Paul had certainly entertained them, warmed their hearts, and taught them a thing or two along the way.

The strength of "The Wandering Minstrel" lies in the man himself. Paul's love for what he does is genuine. His interest in exposing children to other cultures is evident throughout the program. He uses his personal history as the basis for his performance, tracing his journeys from Africa to England and America. He talks about his family and his children, sharing his experiences in a friendly and amusing fashion. Smooth segues move the show from story to song and back again. The children found him very accessible and had many questions at the end of the show.

Educational content is rich. Paul reinforces the importance of reading in the song "I Found It In A Book." He encourages children to play a musical instrument and, by example, tells them how easy it is. He assures them that they have the power to shape their own destinies and be whatever they want to be, a doctor, a teacher, or even "a wandering minstrel." Paul demonstrates a variety of musical instruments and this class' favorite was the "instrument of the spirits" from Africa. A colorful map is used to bring a bit of geography to the program and it is well-drawn and easy to read. The performance concludes with "The Ugly Song" made famous by the Muppets....

Conclusion:

"The Wandering Minstrel" successfully demonstrates that songs are paths of communication. This talented minstrel shows children that creativity is not something that has to be left to a chosen few, but can be expressed by all in as many different ways.

Some 6th grade comments:

“He was very funny and the show was fun.”
“I wish we could have more people like him come to our school.”
“He was a really talented human being.”
“He makes you want to learn music and travel.”
“Paul Tracey has a really nice sense of humor.”