2026 Conductor Wannabes: Michael Quam represents Family & Children’s Center

LA CROSSE (WKBT)– The La Crosse Symphony Orchestra has introduced the seven community teams competing as the 2026 Conductor Wannabes.

The competition is hosted in the spirit of collaboration and community. Each candidate chooses a non-profit that will receive half of the money raised; The other half goes to the orchestra.

Contestant Michael Quam is representing the Family and Children’s Center; He also serves as Major Gifts Officer for the Center.

The program supports children and families who are going through suspected child abuse and neglect, as well as music education and academic success. According to Quam, The Stepping Stones program helps prevents future abuse by connecting the victim and their family to the resources needed to heal from their trauma.

“When the opportunity came up to support both music education, as well as The Stepping Stones Program at the Family and Children’s Center, we thought about all the ways that children would benefit from this.”

To vote or learn more information about Michael and the other 2026 Conductor Wannabes, check out the La Crosse Symphony Orchestra website.

Article originally appeared on news8000.com on March 16, 2026.

LA CROSSE, Wis. (WXOW) – The 27th Conductor Wannabe Contestants have been announced, marking another year of community engagement.

Since 1996, this event has raised money for area non-profits and the La Crosse Symphony Orchestra.

Friday morning, seven contestants introduced themselves and the organizations they represent, sharing their personal connections to their causes.

Michael Quam aims to bring attention to the Stepping Stones Program at the Family and Children’s Center, which addresses suspected child abuse and neglect.

“Stepping Stones is one of those programs that’s not a billable service,” Quam said. “When unfortunate cases of suspected child abuse and neglect appear, and when law enforcement would bring children to our building, there’s not an insurance that pays for that. There’s not a bill that’s sent out to the child or to the child’s family. Without fundraising, the program can’t occur.”

For more information on each of these contestants, visit the La Crosse Symphony Orchestra website.

Article originally appeared on WXOW on March 13, 2026.