Blomquist, Rindfleisch win Conductor Wannabe contest - WXOW News 19 La Crosse, WI – News, Weather and Sports |

La Crosse, WI (WXOW)-- The La Crosse Symphony Orchestra announced retired La Crosse Tribune Reporter Terry Rindfleisch and Onalaska High School Junior Bjorn Blomquist won of this year's La Crosse Symphony Orchestra Conductor Wannabe contest.

Rindfleisch exceeded his fundraising goal of $10,000 and Blomquist said he raised about $17,000.

Rindfleisch and Blomquist will conduct a selection by John Phillip Sousa during Saturday's concert.

"I'm just really excited to conduct and show my passion, my love for music that I have," Blomquist said. "Show everyone I can get up there, yeah I can keep up with the old guys."

"I've talked to people who have conducted and (they say) it's just a euphoric feeling to do it so I'm looking forward to it," Rindfleisch said.

Three other contestants, Diane Raaum, Steve Shultz and Nancy Vandermus, competed through their fundraising efforts and together they set a record raising $46,888.

Money raised in the contest will go to La Crosse Symphony Orchestra educational programs and concerts.