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.

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.
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
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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.
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- A donation of $1,000
- Brings a renowned guest artist to campus for recitals and master classes, enriching
students’ artistic journeys
- 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 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.
Past Presidents
Jackie & Malcolm Mazow, 2020–2022
Susan Osterberg, 2017–2018
Rhonda Sweeney, 2015–2017
Kathi Rovere, 2011–2013
Shirley Rose, 2010–2011
Philamena Baird, 2008–2009
Helen P. Shaffer, 2006–2008
Philip A. Bahr, 2005–2006
Sharon Ley Lietzow, 2002–2004
Robert F. Lietzow, 2000–2002
Betty C. Jukes, 1995–1997
Richard Morgan, 1992–1994
Sally Reynolds, 1988–1992