The unlimited potential of Limited Edition
TOMAH, Wis. (WLAX/WEUX) – There is something pretty special brewing in Tomah, Wisconsin. Right there, “Where the ‘I’ divides,” is an incredible group of teenagers and their remarkable director.
By now, I’m sure you have heard the news; Tomah High School, Limited Edition, show choir brought home national gold. That plucky group of dancers, singers, performers, and artists, led by director Kate Buehner, marched down to Branson Missouri and showed the nation how Timberwolves howl! They took home awards for Best Female Soloist (Kami Murray), Best Band, Best Vocals and, the big one, Grand Champion. That’s right, for 2024, the Tomah High School, Limited Edition, show choir is the best show choir in the United States of America.
It’s hard to wrap your head around winning a national championship, (especially at the age of 15, 16, or 17) unless you’ve competed for a national championship. It’s hard to fathom the amount of work and, by extension, the amount of joy involved with winning something of that magnitude. You can’t really put yourself in the headspace of learning intricate choreography, perfecting that choreography, marrying that choreography to songs you’ve now learned to sing the multiple parts to, adding costumes and costume changes, props, actions, a little razzle and just a touch of dazzle.
I had the privilege of speaking with Daniel Jungmeyer, Nicholas Salzwedal, Kendalyn Gregar, Addyson Holmquist, Adam Johnson, Mason Welch, Kami Murray and Maddy McNulty. All of them were pretty typical teenagers; bright, full of potential, unassuming, and completely immersed with one another to a level none of them fully acknowledge or understand. They were fun, way cooler than me, and as excited as teens can muster for 8:30 in the morning. They spoke to the length of the show choir season and being immensely proud of each other and their accomplishment. Most expressed a desire to continue performing after high school and talked about the shock of winning a national championship. They laughed at my stupid questions and took themselves seriously when the moment called for it. They were incredibly charming and it was easy to see how the team shined on the stages they performed on throughout the season.
Buehner spoke to the strength and fortitude of her team. The way they were willing to do anything she asked of them. The way she let them dictate what the season would be for them. She explained, “I would say to them, ‘Do you want a nationals director or…” as she starts laughing and they join her.
Then she talked about how she lets them have a say in what they do as a team. She asks them if they are comfortable with different aspects of the show or what they are doing in it. If they like the songs they are performing. If they think they should do this song or that a different one. She is teaching them collaborative work. She is giving them ownership of the team, its content and, of course, its accomplishments. She is giving them autonomy, while strengthening the value of collaborative teamwork, all in one fell swoop. And she is doing that while winning a national championship.
To me, that is what makes them all so remarkable and special. Yes, they accomplished something very few do and have every right and allowance to be immensely proud of themselves. However, what they earned through the journey is immeasurable. Buehner taught them that their voices matter, even when it wasn’t always listened to. She taught them ownership of a greater whole. She taught them that what you get out is equal to what you put in. She taught them countless lessons that they can use in whatever situation they find themselves in from today forward. And, remarkably, they seem to have taken every one of them.
There is something really special brewing in Tomah Wisconsin. Right there, “Where the ‘I’ Divides” is an incredible show choir director who is helping to shape remarkable teenagers.
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