Two Community Leaders. One Symphony. You Decide the Winner.
Get ready for the ultimate musical showdown as Aberdeen Mayor Travis Schaunaman and community champion Dan Cleberg compete for the right to conduct the Aberdeen University-Civic Symphony!
How It Works
This isn't just about bragging rights—it's about supporting live music in our community. Here's how you can help decide the winner:
- • Make Your Donation – Every dollar counts as a vote for your favorite contestant
- • Choose Your Team – Will you support Team Schaunaman or Team Cleberg?
- • Watch Them Compete – The winner conducts a musical selection at the February 28, 2026 concert
All proceeds support ongoing performances and activities by the Aberdeen University-Civic Symphony.
Meet the Contestants
Dan Cleberg
Business Owner & Nonprofit Director
Dan Cleberg has been shaking up the local music scene for decades. From singing in All-State choir in high school, to punk-rock glory with a band that was a finalist the Midwest Battle of the Bands and played First Ave in Minneapolis, Dan has worn many musical hats. He’s been a worship leader, a member of the iconic 2000s band Fed By Doris, and today fronts the rockabilly band The Joeys while leading Better Ride, a band featuring area musicians with disabilities who write, record, and perform their own original music. Along the way, he’s hosted hundreds of concerts and festivals through Red Rooster Coffee House and Fallout Creative Community, always championing music, creativity, and community.
Travis Schaunaman
Mayor of Aberdeen & Entrepreneur
Travis Schaunaman is an entrepreneur, creative thinker, and current Mayor of Aberdeen. As founder of Production Monkeys—a local design, video, and marketing agency—he’s spent years helping businesses and community organizations share their stories and grow their impact. When he’s not running a business or running a city, Travis is usually cooking up ideas for how to make Aberdeen an even better place to live, work, and play. His leadership has helped drive creek rehabilitation, downtown revitalization, park development, and the tackling of age-old issues. Now he’s trading the city council chamber for the concert hall—proving that conducting a symphony can’t be that much harder than conducting a meeting.
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