The 2021-2022 Anthony Middle School varsity orchestra, led by directors Joanna Schess and Catalina Villeda, was among six ensembles honored as finalists for the 2022 Houston Cup. The award recognizes excellent orchestra teaching and directing at the middle school level in greater Houston. Anthony and Spillane middle schools were both finalists.

Sept. 2, 2022—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.”

Held in conjunction with the Ann C. Roberts Orchestra Festival, which is the state’s oldest orchestra-only festival, the Houston Cup began in 2019 to honor and recognize outstanding varsity orchestras and directors.