Alumni Challenge 2012   Alumni Mentor Program   Upcoming Alumni Events
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ONCE A KID, ALWAYS A KID!

The KIDS experience doesn't end when you step off the stage. You join a group of alumni – now over 800 strong — who have shared this life-changing experience. Our alumni are a vibrant group of people who have gone on to pursue careers in every field imaginable — both in and out of the music industry.

The KIDS Alumni have a reunion at the Wisconsin State Fair every five years, in addition to local events in between. We are also here for each other as we journey on our careers. Through our Alumni Career Network we provide connections and resources for other KIDS exploring the various job markets. We also give back to the KIDS by donating our time, talents and treasure back to the organization to keep this vibrant group going for many years to come.

Read on to learn more about our Alumni, and if you are an alumus of the KIDS, drop us a note to let us know where you are and what you’re up to. We hope to re-connect with you soon!

"Being a KID taught me what it was to be a 'professional.' It was to this day, one of the best experiences of my life. I came away with a lifetime of friendships and memories."
• Joyce (Olsen) Stoppelbein (KIDS 71-72) Retired Army (Vocalist — Armed Forces Bicentennial Band & Chorus/US Army Field Band and Soldier's Chorus) — Greer, SC

ALUMNI MENTOR PROGRAM

Being a first-year KID is tough when you don't know what to expect. Through the Alumni Mentor Program we match each first-year KID up with a KIDS Alumni Mentor before camp begins. The alumni mentor welcomes the new KID to the group, answers questions, gives advice, and gives the new KID peace of mind before he or she begins the summer. It's a great way for alumni to stay connected with the current KIDS, and for the new KIDS to get a sense of what the experience can do for them later in life.

Alumni interested in being mentors for the 2012 troupe should contact Andrea Pelloquin at kidsfromwisalumni@gmail.com

UPCOMING ALUMNI EVENTS:

KIDS Training Camp 2012

State Fair Park - Thompson Youth Building
June 7* - 23
*Alumni volunteers needed for check-in day (June 7) from 4:30 - 6:30. Contact the KIDS office for more information.

KIDS Premiere Performance 2012

Sunday, June 24, 3:00 PM*
Wisconsin Lutheran College Center for Arts & Performance
*Alumni admitted FREE with one guest.

Wisconsin State Fair 2012

August 2 - 12
West Allis, WI

ALUMNI NEWS*

Randy Fosburgh (69-70) just released a new CD. Click to see a video of Randy in LA recording "How Did We Fall in Love." http://youtu.be/2IDIa6-ZyzY

Mark Dorn (73-76, Producer) and Jill Schroeder were married on December 16, 2011. Congrats, Mark and Jill!

John Jacobson (74-76) is featured in two Sprint commercials which feature his "Double Dream Hands Man" and "Double Dream Feet" videos. Check out the link below. John founded "America Sings" and is well-known as a choreographer and composer, working with Hal Leonard on educational classroom products. http://youtu.be/5L1tr0PIx20

Mark Schmandt (1983) resides in Chicago where he works as a realtor and musician. He sings with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Chorus and has performed with the Lyric Opera Chorus.

Tim Karth (89-90) is now an instrumental engraver at Hal Leonard Corporation, after spending the past 18 years teaching instrumental music - most recently at Piux IX High School in Milwaukee.

John Urness (89-90) was guest soloist with the Sheboygan Symphony Orchestra last year. John is principal trumpet with the Mexico Symphony Orchestra in Toluca, Mexico and resides there with his wife, Patricia, and their two daughters.

Blake Siewert (91-92) is currently in a Scottrade commercial. Click the link to see the commercial – he’s the first speaking part! http://youtu.be/VvOuhl-mq30

Mathew de Guzman (02-04) just wrapped up Follies on Broadway, and is now appearing in the West Coast run at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles.

The White sisters (Brandi 02-05, Brittany 07-08, and Bethany 10 alternate) have recently started a country band together called Liberty Ridge. Get a sneak peak at "Guess I'll Have to Dream" - an original by Bethany. http://youtu.be/pbs7v8P_l2s

Liz Holtan (2003-05) has joined the cast of a new CBS comedy pilot FRIEND ME. Read the full story

Mario Cerutti's (04) band "Polarcode" just posted a video of them playing a cover of "Apartment" by Young the Giant. Click the link to check it out. http://youtu.be/3I1XVD3zX5k

Phil Smyth (08-10) is currently touring with the international touring fiddle band "Barrage!" Schedule and more details can be found on the website below. They have also just released their new album "Soundtrack of the World." Get more details at www.barrage.org

*Contact us with your alumni news! Download the Alumni Update Form to keep in touch.

KIDS ALUMNI CAREER NETWORK

Our alumni have careers in a wide variety of professions. We are looking for alumni who are willing to be a "mentors" to other alumni or current KIDS interested in what they do. If you would be willing to talk to a KIDS alumni or present KID about your career, please click the link below to get more details. It could be as little as meeting for lunch and sharing advice, or could develop into being a mentor for a KID through their college years, or helping another alumnus get a job or get their "first break" into the business. We all have stories to tell and advice to give. Please consider sharing it!

KIDS Alumni Career Network — More Information and Registration

CONTACT US

Alumni — have a suggestion, news, updates to your address/contact info? Let us know! Either complete and return the Alumni Update Form or contact:

Andrea Pelloquin
Kids from Wisconsin Alumni ('92, '93, '94)
kidsfromwisalumni@gmail.com

Connect with us online:
Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/Kidsfromwisalumni/
LinkedIn Group: www.linkedin.com — group name "Kids from Wisconsin Alumni"