The La Crosse Symphony Orchestra’s 16th annual Conductor Wannabe contestants were introduced to at the December LSO concerts. The winner of the fundraising contest will be revealed March 2, with the winners conducting at the March 6-7 concert weekend.

Money raised by the contest supports the LSO’s education and concert programming. This year there are five community members vying for the opportunity to conduct the orchestra. Contestants include the following:

HARVEY BERTRAND: Bertrand lives in Onalaska with his wife, Suzanne Tanne, and 14 year-old daughter, Maria. He is an engineer at Paragon Associates and co-chair of Minds in Motion Bicycle Tour, a fundraiser for the Onalaska School District. Bertrand enjoys playing the piano and is an avid competitive bicyclist. “The La Crosse Symphony Orchestra plays such a vital part in so many lives in the Greater La Crosse Area and must have public support to thrive,” Bertrand said. “Also, the prospect of being able to conduct at one of the symphony’s presentations is a chance of a lifetime!”

JAY JAEHNKE: Jaehnke lives in Onalaska with his wife, Dawn, and is the father of two adult children, Adam and Cara. He works at Robert W. Baird as a senior financial consultant. Jaehnke serves his community by serving on the following boards of directors: Riverfront Center and Foundation, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church (elder), Children’s Museum of La Crosse and Coulee Children’s Center. He is also a member of La Crosse Valley View Rotary Club. Jaehnke started piano lessons at age 40, has climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and likes to take the path least traveled. In other words, he loves a challenge.

KEITH & SAM: Although these are two people they serve as one contestant. Keith and Sam are radio personalities for Classic Hits 94.7. Together they have served for many organizations, including the Red Cross, Humane Society, Girl Scouts and Leukemia Society. Keith played violin for two years. Sam has played the piano and flute but says she can’t play a note and now is a devoted music listener.

MAUREEN NORRIS: Norris lives in La Crescent, Minn., with her husband, Mike, and 12 year old son, Bennett. She has taught music in the Holmen school district for 22 years and is the originator of fifth grade choir. Maureen volunteers her time as a flutist and pianist at Crucifixion Catholic Church and the Apple Annies in La Crescent. In the summer she plays the flute/piccolo in the La Crescent/Hokah community band. “Who wouldn’t want to get a chance to conduct a piece with a real symphony! My dream,” she said. “I think this is a wonderful fundraiser that can be a lot of fun! I love to be social and it is a chance to get a new outfit!”

AUGUST WEBER: Weber lives in La Crosse and is the manager at the newest and hottest coffee shop in town, namely River Rocks in Riverside Center. He also coaches soccer for La Crescent youth and is an avid golfer. Augie played the saxophone in grade school and assisted with the start up of a music download site. Weber said he wants to raise money for the LSO to help children learn and grow through music and to help promote La Crosse’s arts.

Each candidate will collect as many votes as possible, with each vote being $1. The contest winners will be announced March 2. To place a vote, people can contact the contestant or call the LSO office at 783-2121.

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