Friends of Moores

Welcome to the Friends of Moores School of Music. Formerly known as the Moores Society, we’re 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.

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 Student Sponsorship Program where your gift will underwrite a full year of private lessons for one student, providing personalized training that sharpens their talent and paves the way for a successful career in music. 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

Executive Committee of Friends of Moores 2025-2026

 

President
Donna Shen
Immediate Past President 
Darlene Clark
President-Elect 
Dr. Timothy K. Doyle
Vice President, Membership 
Michelle Matzer
Opera Production Council Chair 
Meg Boulware
Texas Music Festival Council Chair 
David Voll
Member at Large 
Jo Dee Wright
Alumni Engagement Chair 
Cathy Frank
Corresponding Secretary 
Mary Fusillo
Recording Secretary 
Robert N. Chanon
 

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