Three Onalaska residents kicked off their campaigns this week to win the chance to conduct a song at the La Crosse Symphony Orchestra’s ninth annual Pops Concert.

This conductor fundraising contest will run through June 25, with the winner conducting the entire La Crosse Symphony Orchestra (65 musicians) performing John Philip Sousa’s march, “The Thunderer,” at the June 29 Pops Concert. The concert is part of the annual Festival Foods Salute to the Fourth in Onalaska, which last year was attended by 8,000 to 10,000 people.

Funds raised by the contest support the LSO’s education and concert programming.

This year’s conductor contestants include:

DONALD DOMINICK: Onalaska’s fire chief for more than a year, Dominick has participated in fundraising projects for Kids with Cancer and the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Formerly of Michigan, Dominick has two grown daughters and a yellow lab.

Dominick enjoys the La Crosse Loggers and fishing, especially in bass tournaments. Don’s musical background is as a listener, especially rock ’n’ roll.

Dominick said he wants to be a part of the Pops Conductor contest is because by winning it gives him his only chance of being involved in a concert because he doesn’t play any instruments. The real reason is because he just wants to be involved in his new community and help out. Dominick’s theme is “the Fisherman.”

ROBERT MUTH: An Onalaska police officer for 27 years, Muth is serving his first term on the Onalaska Common Council. Muth is an investigator for the La Crosse County district attorney’s office.

A Vietnam War veteran who earned a Purple Heart, Muth is married with a daughter who shares his passion for basketball and golf. Muth has been involved with coaching and referee work for many years.

As far as his musical background, he has none, but he has a love for music and admires those who can perform. He said he wanted to be part of the conductor contest because he loves to give back to the community and it will be a lot of fun. Muth’s theme is “Mr. Golf.”

EVELYN MARIA PERTZSCH: A long time resident of Onalaska, Pertzsch is currently retired but stays very busy as possibly “the world’s greatest volunteer.” She gives her time to the Onalaska Public Library, Sons of Norway, Onalaska Area Historical Society, UW-La Crosse Continuing Education Program and more.

A former Onalaska Board of Education member, Pertzsch’s musical background includes singing in her high school and church choirs. She said the reason she wants to be a conductor contestant is to promote the symphony to her friends and to show her appreciation of the Symphony especially to the Pops Concert.

“I have never missed a Pops Concert yet — it is music for the soul,” she said.

Pertzsch’s theme is “Mrs. Coffee.”

Each candidate will collect as many votes as possible at $1 a vote minimum. The contest winners will be announced June 25

To place a vote, contact the contestant of choice or call the LSO office at 783-2121.

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