Pulse of a nation

Behind every musical performance is a story of commitment. Long hours in practice rooms, countless rehearsals and the encouragement of parents, teachers, and classmates all help shape young musicians. For local students selected to Kids from Wisconsin, the summer tour represents the reward for years of hard work and the opportunity to share that passion with audiences throughout the state. When musicians get a chance to perform for a home crowd, their performances are a reminder that small-town school music programs continue to produce talented young artists capable of performing on some of Wisconsin's biggest stages.

One of Wisconsin's premier youth performing arts organizations will bring its 2026 summer tour to Tomah this week as Kids from Wisconsin presents America's Soundtrack: The Pulse of a Nation at Tomah High School on Tuesday, July 28, at 7 pm.

Celebrating its 58th season, this year's production commemorates the 250th anniversary of the United States with an incredible musical journey through the sounds that have shaped generations of Americans.

The family-friendly performance features a live 14-piece band, talented vocalists, and original choreography performed by some of Wisconsin's most accomplished young artists. Audiences will hear music spanning jazz, rhythm and blues, rock and roll, soul, pop, folk, country and Broadway, showcasing the works of legendary composers and performers including Irving Berlin, Elvis Presley, Billy Joel, Toto and Gordon Goodwin.

The Tomah performance has several strong local connections.

For Alex Knoepker, the summer tour is an extension of the work he does throughout the school year. The Tomah High School band director is serving as band director for Kids from Wisconsin, leading the organization's 14-piece touring band as it travels to communities across Wisconsin. The role allows Knoepker to mentor young musicians while bringing live music to audiences throughout the state.

The band also features two students from Sparta High School. Patrick Larson, a trumpet player, and Roman Olbert, a percussionist, are both Seniors. They were selected from many students across the state. Their selection places them among some of Wisconsin's most talented young musicians chosen through the organization's statewide audition process.

Founded in 1968, Kids from Wisconsin is a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing Wisconsin's young performers through music education, leadership and performance opportunities. Since its first tour in 1969, the organization has entertained millions of audience members while providing intensive musical training and educational outreach programs across the state.

Ahead of the performance, the Monroe County Herald questioned Tomah High School Band Director Alex Knoepker and Sparta High School students Patrick Larson and Roman Olbert about their experiences with Kids from Wisconsin.

Patrick Larson – Trumpet – Sparta High School Senior

What inspired you to audition for Kids from Wisconsin?

My inspiration for auditioning for KIDS was most definitely wanting to be in an ensemble that is composed of musicians who are at a higher level so I can meet new people and try to become the best player I can.

What has been the most rewarding part of touring this summer?

The most rewarding part of touring this summer is going all across the state and bringing a show that everyone can enjoy.

What has surprised you most about performing across Wisconsin?

The thing that has most surprised me about the tour was the difference in venues that the KIDS perform at and the challenges that arise with different stage sizes or band setup, to name a few changes that can occur.

Which musical number in America's Soundtrack is your favorite to perform, and why?

My favorite number to perform without a doubt is New York State of Mind / Brooklyn! The music in both is amazing, and the intricacies that are in the piece make playing them a challenge but very rewarding.

How has Kids from Wisconsin helped you grow as a musician and as a person?

Kids from Wisconsin has shaped me into a musician that can now be relied on to play with a confidence that other high schoolers and college students don't have. As a person, KIDS helped me become more of a team player and a leader in situations.

What has been the biggest challenge of balancing rehearsals, travel, and performances?

In reality, the hardest part of balancing everything is having enough energy to make it through the day and to give everything the best possible attention it deserves.

What does it mean to perform so close to your hometown in Tomah?

Being able to perform so close to my hometown really is special to me because I can show my community what I've been able to accomplish and try to show my peers a higher level of performing. Hence, they hopefully get excited about performing.

Are there teachers or mentors from Sparta who helped you reach this point?

My main mentor is most definitely my mom. She has pushed me to keep doing what I love, and I wouldn't be where I am now without that motivation. Thanks, Mom!

What advice would you give younger musicians who hope to audition one day?

My biggest piece of advice would be to show up, do what you do best, and through that process roll with whatever happens. From personal experience, auditions do not go as planned, but being able to recover can show your adjudicators if you can roll through situations when things don't go according to plan. A mistake could end up in your favor.

Looking ahead, how has this experience influenced your future plans?

KIDS has taught me a lot over the years, and the organization has made me realize that music is something that once you're in deep, you can never come out of it. I will pursue music for the rest of my life, whether that be professionally or not; only time will tell.

Roman Olbert - Percussion - Sparta High School Senior

What drew you to Kids from Wisconsin?

The biggest factor that drew me to Kids from Wisconsin was the opportunities. Getting the experience of playing a show in a new location every day is a very unique opportunity that has been a very fun thing to do.

As a percussionist, what role do you play in bringing the show to life?

As a percussionist, I rotate between drum set and auxiliary percussion depending on the show. We play almost every measure of every song, so we need to make sure that everyone keeps time throughout the show and stays together.

What has been your favorite stop on the tour so far?

My favorite stop of the tour so far has been Manitowoc. We played at the Capital Civic Center, a restored historic theater that hosts groups. It was a beautiful venue and a fun town that we got to explore!

What has been the most memorable moment of the summer?

The most memorable part of the summer for me personally has been getting to ride jet skis at one of our homestays. They had a lake we could swim in, a hot tub, jet skis, and it was really cool to connect with the hosts!

What has challenged you the most during the tour?

The biggest challenge during the tour has been the lack of rest. We are constantly going from venue to venue, staying in hotels, dorms, and homestays, with very few breaks to go back home.

How has performing with some of Wisconsin's best young musicians pushed you to improve?

Performing with some of Wisconsin's best young musicians has pushed me to improve vastly by holding myself accountable. A big factor in putting on a production of this caliber is consistency, especially when playing percussion. Keeping tempos, transitions, and cues the same every night is something we need to strive for to keep the show the same. 

What does it mean to perform in front of a hometown-area audience?

I am very excited to perform in front of an audience consisting of people that I know and who have watched me throughout my journey. It will be a very high-energy and fun show to perform.

What do you hope audience members remember after seeing the show?

I hope that audience members will be impressed by the professionalism and high level of performance that we put on. When watching the show before being involved, the band features were super impressive and very entertaining.

Who has had the biggest influence on your musical journey?

My parents have played a big role in my musical journey. They have always supported me and my goals and have made many things accessible and possible for me to do. My band director, Mr. Nicholson, has also given me a lot of recognition and experience across many different areas, which has played a significant part in my musical journey.

What advice would you give younger percussionists considering an audition?

My advice for younger percussionists and musicians is to go for it no matter what you think will happen. Many experiences of mine have come from trying something new and being ambitious, even if I doubt anything will happen. Showing that you are willing to do what it takes to improve and show commitment is something that plays a major role as well.

Alex Knoepker – Stage Band Director - Tomah High School Band Director

Why is it important for Tomah to host Kids from Wisconsin?

Bringing a professional, high-quality production like the Kids from Wisconsin is important because it enables people in our community to see what professionalism on stage truly looks like.

What does this performance mean for students in the Tomah music program?

Students are going to be able to see what years of dedication and practice can provide to people who are their same age! It's a fantastic opportunity for students to be inspired and to learn about the musical opportunities available right here in Wisconsin.

Why do you think music education remains important for today's students?

When students are involved in school music programs such as band or choir, they're part of something bigger than themselves. It takes a full group of students working together as a team to create these experiences. We strive to make experiences meaningful and impactful for our music students.

How does hosting events like this strengthen the community?

The Kids from Wisconsin bring communities together through music, which unites people of all backgrounds. When Tomah hosts the Kids, our community comes out and strongly supports what we do. Tomah knows how to support arts programming, and it's awesome!

What do you hope audience members take away from the performance?

This year, the Kids from Wisconsin are presenting their 2026 production, entitled "America's Soundtrack." The show focuses on American music, bands, and composers. I want people to walk out of the show after it has concluded, smiling, and be proud of these young performers. I want them to realize what hard-working young people can do and continue to support what we do locally in our school music programs as well.

Have former Tomah students participated in Kids from Wisconsin or similar programs?

Yes! Our most recent Tomah KID was Daniel Gordon, a percussionist in 2024 and 2025's productions. Kennedy Konsitzke was also a KID singer/dancer in 2017 and 2018, and I (Alex Knoepker) was a KID in 2018 as a percussionist. I have been the conductor of the stage band since 2019. We are so excited to have Patrick Larson and Roman Olbert, both Sparta HS seniors, as our local hometown KIDS this year!

What opportunities does an organization like Kids from Wisconsin provide that students may not find elsewhere?

Kids from Wisconsin provides Wisconsin youth ages 15 to 20 with a professional performing and touring experience all around our state. This experience prepares students not only for a career in the field, but it also helps them excel and thrive at what they do best. Being a member of the Kids from Wisconsin gives you lifelong friends and connections. With over 1000 alums of the group, and still going strong in its 58th season, the Kids from Wisconsin experience sets young artists and performers up for success at an early age.

If a student is inspired after this concert, what advice would you give them about pursuing music?

We certainly hope music students are inspired after seeing the Kids from Wisconsin. If being a part of a group at this level is something they believe they can accomplish, they should go for it! The old saying goes: "if there's a will, there's a way," and that applies in the field of music, too. If you want to work hard, push past roadblocks that might come up, and enjoy an opportunity to perform with other amazing musicians, this is the group for you! Students can reach out to me, the Kids office, or any other alumni if they would like more information.

July 28, 2026

7:00 PM

Tomah High School

901 Lincoln Ave, Tomah

Tickets: $15

www.kidsfromwi.org.

Scan QR Code for tickets:

Tickets Available at:

Kwik Trip - South Tomah

Kwik Trip - North Tomah

Kwik Trip - Sparta

Tomah Area Credit Union

For tickets, additional show information, or to support Kids From Wisconsin’s statewide arts and education programs, visit www.kidsfromwi.org or follow Kids From Wisconsin on Facebook, @kidsfromwi on Instagram and TikTok, and @KidsFromWisconsin on YouTube.