“Molly Wisman received an early Christmas gift at a recent performance of the Topeka Symphony Orchestra,” writes Todd Fertig in Saturday’s (12/21) Topeka Capital-Journal (Kansas). “In recognition of her 50 years of participation as a violinist, the orchestra surprised her by turning a holiday number into a family affair. The orchestra has a tradition of auctioning off the role of guest conductor for the song ‘Jingle Bells Forever’ at its annual Capitol Federal Holiday Concert…. Wisman’s husband, Alan, secretly won the bid this year…. ‘It took some work to arrange for a “proxy bidder” so that Molly wouldn’t know Alan was trying to win this opportunity,’ said Bob Keckeisen, executive director of the Topeka Symphony Orchestra…. Kathy Maag, general manager of the orchestra, was the primary accomplice helping Alan Wisman bid covertly at the auction. To keep the secret, symphony conductor Kyle Wylie Pickett prepped Alan by practicing conducting … ‘I had no training at all and couldn’t rehearse like they normally would,’ said Alan Wisman, owner of Einstein’s Outdoor Outfitters. ‘So they gave me a disc with the recording. I would put it on in my shop, and people would come in and see me flailing my arms about.’ ”
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