Voting for Encore’s ‘Battle for the Baton’ begins Sunday

QUINCY — Five well-known residents of Quincy will compete for the honor to become the “celebrity” conductor of the Quincy Symphony Orchestra in the 2022 Battle for the Baton presented by Encore, the volunteer council for the QSOA.

The winning candidate will conduct “Sleigh Ride” during the ever-popular holiday concert at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, in Morrison Theater at Quincy Junior High School. This year’s candidates are Nora Baldner, Adam Duesterhaus, Monica Hinkamper, Josh Jones and Tim Schrage.

These “celebrities” will encourage family, friends, fans and business colleagues to support their campaign by voting for them starting Oct. 2. Each vote is $10. Votes may be placed online at www.encorequincy.com. To mail in your vote(s), simply send cash or a check (made payable to Encore), along with a note indicating which candidate and the number of votes. Mail your votes to Encore, 1026 Maine, Quincy, Ill., 62301.

Encore has raised more than $600,000 since 1992 in support of youth music education. All profits from this event will be returned to the community in support of the various youth performing groups, Young Artist competition and concert, summer music camp scholarships for area students, Young People’s Concert and assistance to the Quincy’s public and parochial music programs.