The 2025-2026 school year marks the thirty-ninth year for Mr. Tracey at Ridgefield Memorial High School and the Ridgefield Board of Education. He began his tenure in Ridgefield in 1987, where he was hired to rebuild the music and instrumental music programs.
In 1991, Mr. Tracey became the K-12 Supervisor for the Music program. In addition to overseeing the fine arts program, he also serves as the High School director of the Concert and Jazz bands.
Mr. Tracey has a strong background in the Marching Arts, having been a member of the World Champion Garfield Cadets Drum & Bugle Corps. He later instructed the former World Champion Bushwacker Senior Drum & Bugle Corps and the Canadian National Champion Dutchboy Drum & Bugle Corps. For thirty-two years, Mr. Tracey led the Marching Royals Marching Band, which performed in California, Canada, Florida, Chicago, and throughout the United States.
Under his leadership, the band participated in numerous high-profile events, including halftime shows for the New York Jets and performances for Michael Jordan, the Walt Disney Company, Paramount Pictures, and others. The band also performed over sixty times at Madison Square Garden for various prestigious events.
In addition to his work in education, Mr. Tracey is an active professional trombonist who has collaborated with many of the world's top musical artists. He performed with Marc Anthony at his Madison Square Garden concert alongside Jennifer Lopez for the first time. He has also served as the musical director for many prominent Latin music stars, including Frankie Negron. His notable collaborations include performances with Tito Puente, Tito Nieves, Ray Sepulveda, George Lamond, Larry Harlow, Brenda K. Starr, Frankie Ruiz, Rey Ruiz, Johnny Rivera, Lizette Melendez, Servando y Florentino, Moncho Santana, Ruben Blades, Dave Valentine, and many others.
Mr. Tracey is also a recording artist, having played on numerous platinum-selling recordings across various music genres, including Latin, jazz, gospel, funk, R&B, and classical. Additionally, he has appeared in numerous movies, music videos, and television shows.