A2SO Announces Finalists for Celebrity Conductor Contest; YOU Can Vote

The winner will have the opportunity to conduct the A2SO at the October 2015 concert.

Since 2011, Pursuit of the Podium has raised over $40,000 for our education and outreach programs.

Each tax-deductible vote is $5. The first round of voting ends Friday, January 30 at noon. At that time we will narrow down our group of contestants to six.

Vote early and often, either at the concerts or online so that your favorite contestants can continue to the next round in February and the final round beginning March 21. The winner will be announced at the April concert.

Below are some fun facts about 5 of our contestants, along with a link to their videos. Next week we'll send you info about the remaining four contestants.

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Meet Ann Arbor's Mayor, Christopher Taylor.

Facts about Chris:

• Christopher Taylor has served as Mayor of Ann Arbor since November 10, 2014.

• Christopher is a partner at the Ann Arbor law firm of Hooper Hathaway, where his practice focuses on the representation of local businesses, non-profits, and individuals.

• Christopher is a long-standing supporter of, and participant in, the arts, having served on the Board of Directors of FestiFools and performed with numerous organizations throughout Ann Arbor, including Burns Park Players, Ann Arbor in Concert, and the Vocal Arts Ensemble.

Meet CEO of Menlo Innovations and Author, Richard Sheridan.

Facts about Richard:

• Richard Sheridan and his team of Menlo Innovations have won many awards. Including 101 Best & Brightest Companies to Work For.

• In 2003 Richard was the Forbes cover story for Menlo Innovations and his book Joy, Inc.

• Richard is an avid reader and historian, and his software design and development team at Menlo Innovations didn't invent a new culture, but copied an old one ... Edison's Menlo Park New Jersey lab. Henry Ford's recreation of the Menlo Park Lab in Greenfield Village was a childhood inspiration!

Meet Cardiologist at UM Cardiovascular Center, Geoff Barnes.

Facts about Geoff:

• Geoff Barnes puts his "heart" into his work both as a Cardiologist at UM Cardiovascular Center and through his involvement with the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra.

• Geoff studied Biomedical Engineering at Washington University and studied medicine at the University of Michigan. He continued his medical education at the University of Michigan first as an internal medicine resident, in which he had the honor of serving as Chief Resident, and later as a Cardiology Fellow, and then a Vascular Fellow.

• Geoff is an A2SO subscriber, board member and serves on the Marketing Committee. Geoff brings great wisdom and passion to the Marketing Committee which shines through to each ticket sold and every brochure given out.

Meet Superintendent of Ann Arbor Public Schools, Jeanice Swift.

Facts about Jeanice:

• Jeanice Kerr Swift, Ph.D. is a lifetime educator, having served 26 years as classroom teacher, teacher coach, principal, and school district administrator.

• She has served as Superintendent of Schools in the Ann Arbor Public Schools since August 2013.

• Under Dr. Swift's leadership in Ann Arbor Public Schools, enrollment has increased significantly, exciting new programs are opened in schools, achievement is improved, and top-quality arts programming continues to thrive.

Meet Director of Music and Organist at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, Deborah Friauff.

Facts about Deborah:

• Dr. Deborah Friauff performs professionally as a soprano, organist, and conductor. She is the Director of Music and Organist at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Ann Arbor.

• Deborah is from Traverse City, and she began studying the organ at the age of eight.

• She founded the St. Thomas Chant Schola in Ann Arbor, and has directed three Michigan-based early music ensembles: Sine Nomine of East Lansing, Michigan, the Ann Arbor Grail Singers, and Eastern Michigan University's Collegium Musicum.to thrive.

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