WINNER - NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS ARTISTIC EXCELLENCE AWARD

During 2006 and early 2007, in collaboration with the Bangor Symphony Orchestra, Jens Kruger worked to orchestrate his original compositions as well as music from the Kruger Brothers. Excerpts from this concert program were performed for the first time during the summer of 2006 with the Bangor Symphony Orchestra for audiences at the Kingfield POPS and Camden POPS performances, a prelude to the world premiere of Music from the Spring: A Romantic Serenade for Banjo, Guitar, Bass & Orchestra. At the same time, the collaboration inspired a very special outreach program that was developed for performances and presentations in schools and community settings, called "Strings Attached."

In November, 2006, while Jens continued to work on the orchestral score, the Bangor Symphony Orchestra received the news that the Music from the Spring project was recognized by the National Endowment for the Arts with an award for Artistic Excellence. The Bangor Symphony Orchestra was the only arts organization in Maine to receive an NEA award in 2006.