Friends of Moores

Welcome to the Friends of Moores School of Music. We are dedicated to enhancing the vibrant community of MSM through fundraising, engagement, and advisory support. 

FOM Luncheon 2025

What sets us apart? 

Friends of Moores is more than a donor group—it’s a driving force behind the arts, education, and the future of the Moores School of Music. Our members play a vital role in supporting student success, fostering creative excellence, and ensuring that the next generation of artists thrives.

Instead of traditional dues, your generosity defines your annual giving. Every contribution—whether to the annual fund, our delightful Fall Luncheon, the Music Student Sponsorship Program, or any of our exciting Affinity Groups—counts toward your giving level for the year. Donors enjoy exclusive invitations to concerts and special events, fostering a vibrant musical community.
But it’s not just about donations -- we invite you to become an ambassador for the Moores School of Music, helping us shine a spotlight on our incredible programs, special events, student performances, and unique projects. Together, let’s make music thrive at Moores!

Three Ways to Engage with the Moores School of Music

We have passionate networks of students, faculty, and alumni dedicated to shaping the next generation of musicians. By joining a Moores School of Music Affinity Group, you can help provide vital support and guidance to a program or initiative you care about.

  • Texas Music Festival Council
  • Spirit of Houston
  • Opera Production Council
  • Mariachi

A donation of any amount makes you a valued participant in the Friends of Moores. These are a few of the ways your financial support makes it possible to provide a transformative learning experience for our students:

  • A donation of $3,000
    • Join the Music Sponsorship Program, which is designed to support instructional costs and program support central to every student’s professional music education at MSM. You will be invited to meet your student at an annual reception.
  • A donation of $1,000
    • Brings a renowned guest artist to campus for recitals and master classes, enriching students’ artistic journeys

  • A donation of $500
    • Funds performances by covering the cost of music for our ensembles and enhancing productions with professional costumes and stage elements
    • Contributes to livestreaming and licensing, expanding our reach to global audiences and sharing our artistry at the Moores School of Music worldwide

Supporters giving $1,000 or more annually are recognized as Patrons Council members and receive invitations to special meetings, events, learning opportunities and discussions with the Director.

Two convenient ways to make your gift: 

Gift to MSM Music Student Sponsorship Page

 

Make checks payable to the University of Houston and mail to:

Friends of Moores, Moores School of Music
3333 Cullen Blvd., Suite 120, Houston, TX 77204

 

The calendar is filled with a wide range of performance opportunities to see our talented students, faculty, and guest artists in action:

  • Performances by award-winning ensembles, including choirs, orchestras, chamber music quartets, jazz bands, and the Mariachi Pumas
  • Full opera productions in the spectacular Moores Opera House
  • Student recitals and masterclasses
  • Faculty Artist Series at UH and across Houston
  • Guest artists invited to collaborate with our faculty and engage our students

See the current Calendar here

For more information about Friends of Moores, Affinity Groups, or engaging with the Moores School of Music, please contact msmfrnds@central.uh.edu. 

Friends of Moores Executive Committee 2026-2027

 

President
Timothy K. Doyle, M.D.
Immediate Past President 
Donna Shen
Co-Vice President, Membership & Engagement
David Rowan
Co-Vice President, Membership & Engagement
Rhonda Sweeney
Opera Production Council Chair 
Meg Boulware
Texas Music Festival Council Chair 
David Voll
President, Spirit of Houston
Rhonda Pitts
Corresponding Secretary 
Ann Faget
Recording Secretary 
Robert N. Chanon
Member at Large
Darlene Clark
Member at Large
Cathy Coers Frank
Member at Large
Ellen Ginty
Member at Large
Jo Dee Wright
Alumni Liaison
Abigail Lysinger
 

Moores Opera House Donut

MOORES ANNIVERSARY GALA

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF THE MOORES LEGACY

For thirty years, the Moores Opera House has stood as a beacon of artistic achievement, inspiring generations of performers, students, patrons, and audiences. As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, we also look ahead—to the University of Houston's Centennial and to the next chapter of excellence for the Moores School of Music. Inspired by the pearl, the traditional symbol of a 30th anniversary, this special evening honors the beauty, resilience, and brilliance that emerge over time. Together, we will celebrate the extraordinary legacy of the Moores Opera House while investing in the future of music and the arts. The evening will officially launch Moores in Motion, a year-long fundraising effort supporting transformational opportunities for students, performances, and artistic innovation as part of the Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts' Arts in Motion campaign.


5:30 PM | VIP Arrival & Exclusive Reception
A private welcome reception for our VIP guests.

6:00 - 7:00 PM | Guest Arrival & Pre-Concert Reception
Join us in the Moores Opera House Lobby and Rose Garden for cocktails, conversation, and an elegant prelude to the evening’s performance.

7:00 - 8:00 PM | Featured Performance
Experience an unforgettable evening of music and artistry in the Moores Opera House.

8:00 - 9:30 PM | Gala Dinner & Program
Gather around the table for an unforgettable dinner and an evening of celebration.

10:00 - 11:00 PM | Late-Night Jazz Club
The evening continues on stage at our Jazz Club with live music, dancing, and a spirited finale.

Purchase Gala Tickets

Past Presidents

Donna Shen, 2024–2026

Darlene Clark, 2022–2024
Jackie & Malcolm Mazow, 2020–2022

Jo Dee Wright, 2018–2020
Susan Osterberg, 2017–2018
Rhonda Sweeney, 2015–2017

Beverly Kaufman, 2013–2015
Kathi Rovere, 2011–2013
Shirley Rose, 2010–2011

Cathy McNamara, 2009–2010
Philamena Baird, 2008–2009
Helen P. Shaffer, 2006–2008
Philip A. Bahr, 2005–2006

Diane Gendel, 2004–2005
Sharon Ley Lietzow, 2002–2004
Robert F. Lietzow, 2000–2002

Philip J. Berquist, 1997–2000
Betty C. Jukes, 1995–1997

Mary Ann McKeithan, 1994–1995
Richard Morgan, 1992–1994
Sally Reynolds, 1988–1992

Stephen Harbachick*, 1984–1988

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