2026 Conductor Wannabe Revealed on March 13
The La Crosse Symphony Orchestra has introduced the seven community teams competing for the opportunity to conduct the orchestra this spring. In the spirit of collaboration and community, we have asked each of the candidates to choose a non-profit organization that will receive half of the money they each raise during the campaign.
Each “vote” is a minimum of $2.00 – one dollar going to the LSO and the other dollar going to the candidate’s chosen charity. The winner and runner-up with the most “votes” will make their conducting debuts with the LSO on May 2, 2026. The competition begins March 13 and ends 11:59 pm on April 27th.
Nancy for Karuna Housing
I’m stepping up as a Conductor Wannabe because music has the power to bring us home — to each other, to our community, and to what matters most. This campaign supports two incredible local organizations: the La Crosse Symphony Orchestra, which enriches our region through world class music, and the Karuna House, which provides safe, sustainable housing and 24 hour peer based support to help residents build a “life worth living.” Your vote fuels the Symphony and strengthens the Karuna House. Together, we can lift up the arts,
and make La Crosse an even better place to call home. Join me — let’s keep the music playing and keep our community thriving.
Josh for Mahr Family Mental Health Fund at Gundersen Medical Foundation
Shout it out! Recover Out Loud! I'm partnering with the Gundersen Medical Foundation and La Crosse Symphony Orchestra's Conductor Wannabe contest to raise funds for the Mahr Family Mental Health Fund—supporting Emplify Health by Gundersen Behavioral Health, Social Services, and the Center for Violence Prevention and Intervention. You can help provide emergency support for transportation, medical equipment, life-changing programs, and everything our community needs on their mental health journey!
Amy Lloyd for 7 Rivers Hospice Home
Amy thinks this is a fun way to promote the Symphony as well as promote our 7 Rivers Hospice Home. Bonus for being able to "act" the part of a conductor!
Jeanne for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the 7 Rivers Region
I’m stepping onto the podium as the Mistress of Music Mayhem because I believe music, like mentoring, brings out the very best in each of us. Conducting is about guiding individual voices into something powerful together, just like helping young people find their confidence and rhythm. I’m doing this to celebrate the joy, connection, and life-changing impact that both music and mentoring create in our community.
Angela and Dave for La Crosse Walk to Defeat ALS
Conducting for a Cure - One step at a time. Angela's mom and her share holiday gifts of going to plays, musicals, and symphony performances. This would be extra special to conduct and have her mom there to enjoy it with her. | When Dave's son Karl was in Middle and High School he was heavily involved in Band. His Grandmother was a long-time season ticket holder of the Symphony so they would attend shows together. It was always something that they looked forward to so he would like to conduct the symphony in memory of his mom.
Michael for Family and Children's Center
“A vote for Blue Waldo is a vote for Child Abuse Prevention. The Stepping Stones program at Family & Children’s Center stops abuse by collecting all of the information that’s needed in a single interview, and prevents future abuse by connecting the victim and their family to the resources needed to heal from their trauma. April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. Can I count on each of you to give $30 - that’s $1 per day - to help us break the cycle of abuse?”
Brian for La Crosse Public Education Foundation - Orchestra and Band Instruments Fund
Even with great support from the district and taxpayers, many of our school instruments date back to the '80s and '70s—leaving us with significant repair and replacement costs. A vote for me means giving every kid a real shot at joining orchestra or band, no matter what their family's budget looks like. It means quality instruments in students' hands, stronger friendships built through music, and collaboration and creativity skills they'll use in the workplace and community their whole lives.
