Andy Soucy said he's been getting e-mails from around the country congratulating him on winning the contest sponsored by WZID-FM that will lead him to the podium tomorrow night when he conducts the Boston Pops Orchestra as they perform "Sleigh Ride."

Soucy, music director for the Londonderry school district, was one of five semifinalists in the contest that is a first for the radio station and a first for the Boston Pops.

Chris Robinson, a senior at Londonderry High School, was one of several music students who nominated Soucy by e-mail, describing in 50 words or less why he should chosen.

Over 400 nominations were received said Alisha Doucette, WZID's director of marketing.

Robinson's nomination entry was chosen, and Soucy made the top five.

"We wanted to do something different for the Pops performance this time in Manchester," Doucette said. "We talked about music programs in the schools and decided on the contest for a music teacher to be conductor for a song."

WZID partnered with Daddy's Junky Music for the contest, and Daddy's awarded a $1,500 gift certificate for the purchase of equipment for the high school's music program. The certificate was presented to Soucy Wednesday at the school.

"I'm not sure what we'll get," Soucy said. "Maybe a bass amplifier or a multichannel sound board. I don't know yet."

Ray Garon, president and general manager of Daddy's, said Pops conductor Keith Lockhart really liked the idea of the contest and is happy to pass along his baton for the song.

"I'm not sure if he'll let me use his actual baton," Soucy joked. "I'll bring my own along."

Soucy also received permission to have his son, Joe Soucy, 25, a professional bass player, perform while he's conducting "Sleigh Ride."

Soucy said he was honored to meet Lockhart's predecessor, John Williams, in 2004 when the Lancers marching band and color guard marched in the Rose Bowl Parade.

"He was grand marshal that year," Soucy said. "Conducting the Pops is like the frosting on the cake for me | a thick layer of frosting."