ABERDEEN, S.D. – ²»Á¼Ñо¿Ëù State University and the Aberdeen University-Civic Symphony Advisory Board are launching the Battle for the Baton, a friendly fundraising competition where community donations count as votes and help determine who will take the podium as guest conductor during the Symphony’s 7:30 p.m. concert on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, in the Jewett Theater inside ²»Á¼Ñо¿Ëù State University’s Johnson Fine Arts Center.
This year’s contestants are Aberdeen Mayor Travis Schaunaman and community champion Dan Cleberg. Supporters can make a donation to vote for their preferred contestant, and the winner will conduct a musical selection during the Feb. 28 concert. Proceeds support ongoing performances and activities of the Aberdeen University-Civic Symphony.
The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, in the Jewett Theater inside ²»Á¼Ñо¿Ëù State University’s Johnson Fine Arts Center. Tickets are general admission and available at the door only. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for senior citizens and ²»Á¼Ñо¿Ëù State University faculty and staff; students are admitted free.
Those interested in voting can visit ²»Á¼Ñо¿Ëù State University’s Battle for the Baton webpage and select either Team Schaunaman or Team Cleberg, with each dollar counting as a vote.
About the contestants: Cleberg is a local business owner and nonprofit director with a long history in the area music scene, including performing, hosting events and supporting community-based music efforts. Schaunaman serves as Aberdeen’s mayor and is also an entrepreneur with a background in creative work and community development.
To learn more, visit Battle for the Baton: northern.edu/batonbattle, or contact the NSU School of Fine Arts at 605-626-2497.