Three CFISD Middle School Orchestras Named Finalists for Prestigious 2025 Houston Cup
Three Cypress-Fairbanks ISD middle schools are striking all the right chords this year. The orchestras at Anthony Middle School, Smith Middle School, and Sprague Middle School have been named finalists for the 2025 Houston Cup, a distinguished regional honor that celebrates exceptional orchestra instruction at the middle school level.
All three campuses were among just eight orchestras selected from across the Greater Houston area, placing them in the top tier of excellence for youth music programs in Texas.
The Houston Cup, founded in 2019 and held in partnership with the Ann C. Roberts Orchestra Festival—the state’s longest-running orchestra-only festival—recognizes outstanding varsity-level orchestras and the directors who lead them. Finalists are chosen from school ensembles that received a superior rating at the UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Evaluation, making the honor not only a recognition of talent, but also of discipline, collaboration, and strong community support.
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A Note of Gratitude and Hard Work
At Anthony Middle School, Orchestra Director Joanna Schess expressed pride in her students and the village behind their success.
“I could not be prouder of the dedication and hard work our chamber orchestra students showed last season,” Schess said. “Their constant drive to get a little bit better each day truly paid off. My deepest gratitude goes to our assistant director, Caleb Churchman, for his tireless work with our cellos and basses. We are also incredibly thankful for our entire orchestra community’s support systems—the clinicians, lesson teachers, parents and administration—for the vital role you played in our success.”
Smith Middle School earned its second consecutive finalist nod under the direction of Nassar Edwards, who praised the consistent efforts of both students and families.
“I am incredible proud of our chamber orchestra for being selected as a finalist for the second consecutive time in the Houston Cup,” Edwards said. “Our students’ dedication to excellence continues to shine. Thank you to our amazing parents and the Smith community for your unwavering support.”
For Sprague Middle School, which opened just two years ago, the recognition marks a meaningful milestone. Orchestra Director Danielle Darrigo beamed with pride at the young program’s momentum.
“Way to go Sprague Cubs,” Darrigo said. “We are incredibly proud of your hard work and the high standards you have set in only the second year of our school’s opening!”
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How the Houston Cup Works
To be considered, orchestra directors submit audio recordings and scores of two musical selections from the current school year. Submissions are evaluated by an invited adjudicator who provides professional feedback. The top 50% of entries are recognized as finalists, with one school ultimately earning the coveted Houston Cup trophy—a traveling award modeled after the Stanley Cup, inscribed annually with the winner’s name and housed on their campus for the year.
Finalists receive certificates of distinction and are highlighted through official press releases and the festival’s website. Even those not named overall winners receive written feedback—making the competition a valuable opportunity for artistic growth and regional collaboration.
Community Behind the Music
More than just a competition, the Houston Cup is a reflection of how music education is thriving across CFISD. From experienced directors and assistant conductors to supportive parents, administrators, and community music instructors, the recognition shines a spotlight on the network of encouragement behind every rehearsal and performance.
As the finalists await the final selection of this year’s Houston Cup winner, the Anthony, Smith, and Sprague communities already have plenty to celebrate—each ensemble a testament to what can happen when talent is nurtured with passion and purpose.
Stay tuned with My Neighborhood News for updates on the Houston Cup results and more celebrations of student success across Cy-Fair ISD.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
