COUGAR CHOIR CAMP
Build your musicianship, make new friends,and explore your sound with UH faculty and guest artists.
HIGH SCHOOL
2026 UH Cougar Choir Camp
Join us at the University of Houston Moores School of Music for Cougar Choir Camp, an All-State–focused summer experience for high school singers.
Led by UH choral, voice, and opera faculty alongside guest clinicians, Cougar Choir Camp combines TMEA All-State preparation with training in vocal technique, musicianship, and performance, all within a schedule that balances focused learning, connection, and fun. The week concludes with a closing concert in the beautiful Moores Opera House.
Through daily musical instruction and community-building activities, students will:
- Prepare All-State LSC choir repertoire with expert instruction
- Rehearse and perform with fellow high school singers
- Work in sectionals and fun, music-based electives led by UH faculty and guest clinicians
- Learn about vocal technique, musicianship, and performance
- Present a final public concert to celebrate the week
For other inquiries, please email caa@uh.edu or call (713) 743-3398
Camp Details & Requirements
Director
- Kaitlin DeSpain, Assistant Professor & Associate Director of Choral Studies
Clinicians
- Zachary Averyt - The Basics of Vocal Pedagogy
- Kathleen Belcher - Acting 101
- Janwin Overstreet-Goode - Sight singing 101
- Melanie Sonnenberg - Singing and Physical Awareness
- Anthony Maglione - TBA
Section Leaders
- Cara Cavenaugh-Woodward (West Fork High School)
- Frankie Espinoza (Shadow Creek High School)
- Raegan Grantham (Jordan High School)
- Patrick Newcomb (The Woodlands High School)
| Participation Type | Includes | Early Bird Payment (March 1) |
Priority Payment (April 1) |
Late Payment (May 1) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commuter (no TMEA packet*) |
Tuition & lunch | $125 | $150 | $175 |
| Commuter (TMEA packet* included) |
Tuition, lunch, & TMEA All-State Music Packet |
$175 | $200 | $225 |
*Cougar Choir Camp is designed exclusively to prepare students for the TMEA Large School Choir (LSC) audition track. This camp does NOT cover TMEA Small School Choir (SSC) audition music or TPSMEA audition music (Texas Private School Music Educators Association)
Once your registration form is processed, a confirmation email with your payment link and additional details will be sent from caa@central.uh.edu. If you don’t receive a confirmation, please contact caa@uh.edu to update your email address.
Daily Schedule:
- First Day (July 22)
- Check-in: 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
- Programming: 1:00 - 6:00 p.m.
- Day 2 & 3 (July 23 - 24)
- Check-in: 8:00 a.m.
- Programming: 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Concert Day (July 25)
- Check-in: 8:00 a.m.
- Final Concert in the Moores Opera House: 12:00 p.m.
Location:
Moores School of Music
University of Houston
3333 Cullen Blvd, Houston, TX 77204
Q: My child is entering 9th grade. Can they attend this camp?
A: Students entering 9th grade in fall 2026 are welcome and encouraged to register
for this camp.
Q: My child will graduate from high school this spring. Can they attend this camp?
A: No, this camp is for students preparing for TMEA All-State only.
Q: Is there a residential option?
A: No, this is a commuter camp.
Q: Do I need to bring music or will it be provided to me?
A: Please purchase a TMEA LSC (Large School Choir) music packet. You can purchase a packet through us when you pay tuition. If you have elected NOT
to have UH provide your TMEA LSC music packet, you will need to purchase one on your
own. Packets may be purchased through your school choir director, or you can buy physical
packets from music retailers such as AMC Music. ALL singers are required to have the TMEA music packet for the duration of the camp. This camp does NOT cover TMEA Small School Choir (SSC) or TPSMEA (Texas Private School
Music Educators Association) audition music.
Q: My child attends a a TMEA Small School Choir (SSC) or a private school (TPSMEA).
Will you cover that music as well?
A: No, this camp will only focus on the TMEA Large School Choir (LSC) music.
Q: Can my child carpool or be picked up by someone else?
A: Yes—but only if the authorized contact is submitted in advance. Email updates to
caa@uh.edu with the subject line: "Cougar Choir Camp Pick Up Authorization".
Q: Are there group discounts?
A: No. However, families are encouraged to register early to take advantage of Early
Bird and Priority deadlines.
Q: How and when do I pay?
A: Once registration is processed, a payment link will be emailed to you from caa@central.uh.edu. Please watch for it and reach out if you don’t receive it.
Q: What’s your refund policy?
A: A $100 non-refundable deposit is included in tuition. Partial refunds are available
before May 1. No refunds will be issued after May 1.
Q: When will I receive more info?
A: Our staff will send a detailed schedule and student handbook in the weeks before
camp.
Q: Who do I contact with questions?
A: Email caa@uh.edu with any additional questions or concerns.
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