Anthony, Spillane Orchestras Named Houston Cup Finalists
The Anthony and Spillane middle school orchestras were named finalists for the 2022 Houston Cup, which recognizes excellent orchestra teaching and directing at the middle school level in greater Houston.
Anthony, led by directors Joanna Schess and Catalina Villeda, and Spillane, led by directors Jeannine Adams and Michelle Wollum, were among the six orchestras honored as finalists for the award. Fort Bend ISD’s Sartartia Middle School was named the 2022 Houston Cup winner.
“The Spillane Middle School orchestra is honored to be a 2022 Houston Cup finalist and included alongside so many superb middle school orchestras in the surrounding Houston area,” Adams said. “This accomplishment is a result of our students’ dedication to excellence, strong parental support, outstanding clinicians and the synergy between my colleague, Ms. Wollum, and me.”
“It is truly an honor to be a finalist in the 2022 Houston Cup among amazing orchestra programs in the greater Houston area,” Schess said. “Anthony Middle School Ravens ‘RISE’ to every occasion and our students’ hard work and dedication truly shined. This could not have been accomplished without amazing parental and administrative support as well as talented clinicians and my co-teacher, Catalina Villeda.”
Participants are invited to enter based on receiving a superior rating at their respective regional UIL concert and sight-reading evaluation. Directors submit recordings and scores of two selections from the school year.
The 2022 contest adjudicator was Dr. Michael Alexander, a professor of string music at Baylor University and associate dean of academic affairs for the Baylor School of Music. Feedback was provided for each submission after the contest results were announced.
The top 50% of Houston Cup submissions were recognized as finalists and the eventual winning orchestras were named from the group of six. Each finalist will receive a certificate and the Houston Cup winner will receive a traveling trophy with the school’s name added to the trophy’s base.
