1
2
Edition 1 of 4
Cougar Tracks
Cougar Tracks
Your Cougar Choir Camp Information Source
Already Great and Getting Better
Last year’s inaugural camp a terrific success, but CCC determined to keep improving
“Plot twist: choir camp was actually fun!”
“I’m a two-time All-Stater…and I learned many
things about singing, acting and performing.”
“Best choir camp that I’ve been to in my
whole life!”
These unsolicited comments were made by
2015 “CCC” campers, and we’re excited to say that
2016 should be even better! We listened to
feedback and have made a few tweaks to improve
the overall experience.
The fundamentals that make us the best camp
in Texas remain the same, however: high-quality
teaching, positive faculty and staff, fantastic
counselors, great facilities, and unique socials.
Odds & Ends
Meet the Directors
5 Questions for…
A few important reminders as you
prepare for the best All-State
camp in Texas.
Betsy Cook Weber, Jeb Mueller
and John Gallagher will work hard
to ensure a fantastic experience
for all campers.
Get to know your 2016 head
counselors, Emily Premont and
Jake Woodson.
Page 2
Page 3
Page 5
1
2
;
Edition 1 of 4
Spring2016
Cougar
Tracks
LoremIpsumDolor
Odds & Ends:
A few reminders before camp
BRING YO UR OWN TOWELS AND SHEETS
Residential campers must provide their own bedding and
towels, a typical requirement for summer camps. Sheets should fit a
twin long bed, and we suggest a blanket and pillow for comfort. Be
sure to pack a bath towel, too.
REQUIRED FORMS ARE DUE IMMEDIATELY
Housing
Cougar Village I &
II
Residential campers
will stay in one of UH’s
state-of-the-art
facilities. Cougar Village
I opened in 2010, and
Cougar Village 2
opened in 2012.
Each room houses two
students, and two
rooms share a
bathroom. UH students
love this dorm, and so
will CCC campers!
For more information,
visit
http://housing.uh.edu/
housing/cougar-village.
Remember to send in the two required forms as soon as
possible. The Camper Medical Information Form and the Camper Code
of Conduct Agreement may be found at
www.uh.edu/class/music/cougarchoircamp.
READ & REVIEW THE CAMP HANDBOOK
Everything you ever wanted to know is included in our handbook,
published on our CCC website. Parents and campers are
responsible for understanding all of the policies detailed in
the handbook. Please send us an email if you have any questions.
PAYMENTS DUE BY JULY 13
If you’re paying by check and have made a nonrefundable deposit,
please be sure to pay the entire registration balance by July 13.
These Shoes
Were Made For
Walkin’…
Students are reminded to
wear comfortable shoes
during camp. Moody Towers,
where all campers will eat
lunch, is an approximate tenminute walk from the Moores
School of Music. Residential
campers will walk the same
distance to and from their
dorms each day.
We also encourage campers
to bring a hoodie or light
jacket for rehearsals. Moores
School is often chilly during the
air-conditioned months. It
definitely beats sweating
through rehearsal, but be
prepared!
We have discovered that a
smile helps warm the body, too.
JJJJJJJJJJJJ
2
;
Edition 1 of 4
Spring2016
Cougar
Tracks
LoremIpsumDolor
Meet the Directors
Dr. Betsy Cook Weber
Music Director
Dr. Betsy Cook Weber is Professor of Music and Director of Choral
Studies at the University of Houston Moores School of Music and is also
active internationally as a conductor, clinician, adjudicator, and
lecturer. In the summer of 2013, Weber became the thirteenth person
and first woman to receive the Texas Choral Directors Association's
coveted Texas Choirmaster Award. She is editor of the Betsy Cook
Weber Choral Series with Alliance Music Publishing. Weber was
appointed Director of the Houston Symphony Chorus in Fall 2014, a
group that she served as Assistant/Associate Director from 1990-1997.
Dr. Jeb Mueller
Camp Director & Music Director
Jeb Mueller serves as Associate Director of Choral Studies at the
University of Houston Moores School of Music where he conducts three
choirs, prepares opera choruses, teaches choral music education
courses, and maintains a graduate conducting studio. In addition to his
academic duties, Mueller is an active clinician, adjudicator, and
conference presenter with engagements throughout the United States.
Under his direction, UH’s Concert Women’s Chorus performed at the
2016 American Choral Directors Association Southwest Division
Conference in Kansas City, Missouri. His choirs have been described as
“stellar” and “inspired,” singing with “mature line and a beautiful,
vibrant tone.”
John Gallagher
Social Director
John Gallagher has been the head choir director at Manvel High School
for four years. He previously taught as the assistant choir director at
Alvin High School for three years. Mr. Gallagher graduated summa cum
laude from the University of Houston Moores School of Music in 2009
with a bachelor's degree in music education. Under his direction, the
Manvel Choirs have received superior ratings in UIL Concert and Sightreading contests. Students in the Manvel Choir have been given
superior ratings in UIL Solo & Ensemble contest, and numerous
students have earned spots in the Texas All-State Choir.
3
;
Edition 1 of 4
Spring2016
Cougar
Tracks
LoremIpsumDolor
5 Questions for Your Head Counselors
Emily Premont
What degree are you pursuing, and what’s your classification?
Bachelor of Music Education with a psychology minor
Graduating May 2016!
What is the most important part of your job as head
counselor?
Being sure that your time at CCC 2016 is not only fun and engaging, but
safe, educational, and efficiently managed so that you get the most out of
your experience with us at UH!
Salty or sweet?
A combo, obviously! A marriage made in heaven: Pretzel M&M's!
Deathly Hallows
What’s your favorite Harry Potter book and/or movie?
How will you help our CCC campers enjoy their week?
My goal is to make each of you a part of our Cougar family! I and all the other counselors care deeply about
your safety and belonging, and we want to make you feel as comfortable as possible. Please don't be shy to
come talk to us! We are here, literally, to just spend time with you! Conversation starters include: hopes,
dreams, and aspirations; your favorite Backstreet Boy/Spice Girl; black/blue vs. white/gold dress.
Jake Woodson
What degree(s) are you pursuing, and what’s your
classification?
Bachelor of Music Education with a psychology minor. I’m a junior.
What is the most important part of your job as head
counselor?
The most important part of my job as head counselor is making sure all of
the students have the most enjoyable, educational, and memorable time
here. I want everyone to end the week with a huge love for choir and UH
like I have!
Salty or sweet?
Sweet. Give me Kit-Kats and I'm a happy camper.
The Goblet of Fire!
What’s your favorite Harry Potter book and/or movie?
How will you help our CCC campers enjoy their week?
I love meeting new people, making conversation, and learning new things. What sets the Cougars apart
from the crowd is our sense of family. We love making music, but making friends is what helps the music
become even more meaningful. If any of our campers ever need anything, the counselors are ready to help
and do whatever we can to make CCC the best part of their summer.
4
;
Edition 1 of 4
Spring2016
Cougar
Tracks
LoremIpsumDolor
GetYourSwagOn!
Take a Break
at The Cougar Pause
HeadCounselors
CCC will offer several useful and fun items for sale
The Cougar Pause, our merchandise and concession stand, will be open during all rehearsal
breaks and at the dormitory. Campers may purchase some of the items below with cash of Cougar
Credit (see below).
Cinch Pack: the best way to carry all of your daily essentials: All-State music packet, pencil,
water bottle and personal items. $15.
Water Bottle: save the environment and stay hydrated. $15.
Frisbee: timeless and fun for those post-dinner breaks. $5.
Snacks: candy bars, chips, nuts, sodas and other yummies. 50¢ – $2 per item.
Special Social Events that Require Planning
Costume Contests: Walk the Runway!
Throwback Thursday!
Dress in your favorite clothes from past decades.
Fun Hat Friday!
Wear your most creative hat.
Talent Show
Show off your hidden talents!
The best talents are those we haven’t yet seen. Get creative and
plan ahead. Bonus points for non-music talents!
Campers will compete for a chance at Cougar Pause
credit, CCC 2017 discounts and more!
5
Edition
1 of 4
Spring2016
Cougar
Tracks
LoremIpsumDolor
Cougar Tracks at Camp
Everything a camper needs to know during camp
Campers will receive a copy of Cougar
Tracks every day of CCC. It will provide
a schedule of events for the next day,
what to wear, important
announcements, and other important
facts.
A happy camper is an informed camper.
In future editions of
Cougar Tracks…
Meet your section leaders, some of the
finest music educators in the state
What to pack for camp
Arrival at camp and what to expect
Medication dispersal and procedures
The social life: a preview of camp’s social
activities
Tips for an enjoyable and successful camp
University of Houston Moores School of Music
3333 Cullen Blvd.
Room 120
Houston, TX 77204-4017
713.743.7390
choircamp@uh.edu
www.uh.edu/class/camp/cougarchoircamp