CBC Kids star comes to Shenkman this spring

When your mother is a kindergarten teacher and your grandmother is an educator, and both are musical – it’s easy to understand why Will Stroet turned to writing kids’ music while finishing his degree in education at the University of British Columbia. “We made up songs for everything when I was growing up,” laughs Stroet. “I remember making up songs for doing the dishes, or tidying up, essentially everything became a song. I guess I learned early.” Stroet taught for five years, but finally took the plunge and went into music full-time. “I started making videos with video production partners, Turtlebox Productions,” says Stroet, “and along with my wife and manager, Kim, we pitched them at the Banff World Media Festival. The executive in charge of children’s programming from CBC saw them, loved them and we ended up making 18 more Will’s Jams. They’ve been airing on CBC since 2013 and on weekday mornings.”

Stroet’s music is witty, gentle and funny. In other words, completely appealing to kids. “I love playing around with languages, all languages,” says Stroet. “And the best part is that you can put a message in a song that not only inspires but helps kids learn something.” The spoonerisms he has fun with on his 2017 JUNO nominated album ‘Wordplay’ can have kids howling with laughter – adults too. He’s busy recording a new album, ‘Rocks & Roots’, with themes of getting outdoors and trying new things. “Everybody gets stuck in a rut sometimes,” says Stroet, “kids and adults alike. My new album says get out there and try new activities or try a new and different food – you might be pleasantly surprised.”

Coming up in fall 2019 is Stroet’s first symphony show with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. “I’m so excited,” says Stroet, “it’s going to be all of Will’s Jams with an orchestra. A composer is doing the charts, so the music can be available to other orchestras.” And don’t forget Will’s World. These wacky weekly YouTube episodes are like Wayne’s World meets Mr. Rogers, with a dad’s sense of humour. “They’re fun for kids and on every Friday,” says Stroet. “The new French version is on every Sunday – great for language skills.” Enjoy a morning of Will’s Jams live at the Shenkman Arts Centre on Saturday, April 6 at 10 a.m. Visit www.shenkmanarts.ca for ticket information  and www.willsjams.com for more on Will. Watch Will’s Jams, Will’s World and French lyric videos to help kids learn French at www.YouTube.com/willsjamsmusic.