Longview, TX — The Foster Middle School Orchestra, under the direction of Joanie Russell, has earned the prestigious Sweepstakes award in its 13th consecutive attempt. A musical ensemble is awarded the Sweepstakes honor for earning top honors from judges for stage and sight reading performances.

Of the nine east Texas middle school programs competing, Foster was among three orchestras that earned Sweepstakes, and the only group that earned top scores from all judges for stage and sight reading.

“Judges were impressed with the program selections – especially Vivaldi’s ‘Gloria,’ where we had solo work with some great players,” Russell said. The soloists were Stephen Jayakar (1st violin); Jason Randall (2nd violin); Tiffany Turner (viola); Luke Armstrong (cello) and Robyn Roper (string bass).

Russell said the orchestra took a break from participating in contest prior to 2007, because the number of students participating in the program had declined. Prior to that, the group won seven consecutive sweepstakes.