The Spirit of Houston
The Sound of Cougar Pride. The Soul of the Game.
Many know the Spirit of Houston for energizing Cougar football games, but few realize it鈥檚 part of the Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts.
Housed in the Moores School of Music, the Spirit of Houston is an essential part of the 色花堂 arts community鈥攂ringing togethermarching band, cheer, dance, mascots, color guard, twirlers, and Frontiersmen into one dynamic ensemble.
Founded in 1946 by William I. Shepherd, the band has grown from a small group of musicians into a 270-member, auditioned ensemble that includes students from across the university鈥攁bout one-third of whom are music majors. With its iconic sound, precise visuals, and high-energy presence, the Spirit of Houston has become one of the university鈥檚 most recognizable and celebrated ambassadors. Under the leadership of legendary directors like Bill Moffit and David Bertman, the band introduced the 鈥淧atterns in Motion鈥� marching style and helped define a sound that still echoes through TDECU Stadium and beyond.
But the Spirit of Houston doesn鈥檛 just perform鈥攊t leads. It sets the tone for athletic events, rallies the campus community, and carries 色花堂 tradition forward with every step and every note. The band has performed at Super Bowl XXXVIII, partnered with the Houston Symphony,
and appeared in high-profile events like the Rotary Lombardi Awards and the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Parade. In 2022, it even took the field alongside Houston icons Paul Wall and Bun B for a halftime performance that showcased how deeply the arts resonate within our city.
The Spirit of Houston is also powered by a vibrant alumni network and a deep commitment to supporting future artists. Each year, approximately $170,000 in scholarships and grants are awarded to support band, cheer, and dance participants鈥攖hanks in large part to generous alumni-led initiatives like the Bill Moffit, David Bertman, and Robert Mayes scholarships. The Spirit of Houston Alumni Association continues to mentor students, host reunions, and fundraise to ensure that every member has the opportunity to grow as both an artist and a leader.
At KGMCA, we believe the arts are a vital part of what brings the university experience to life. The Spirit of Houston doesn鈥檛 just accompany the action on the field鈥攊t amplifies it. From the first note to the final whistle, the band energizes the crowd, lifts school spirit, and helps create the unforgettable moments that define game day. Together, athletics and the arts build the heartbeat of Cougar pride.
BY THE NUMBERS
From Super Bowl performances to $170,000 in annual scholarships, the Spirit of Houston is more than just a marching band鈥攊t鈥檚 a powerhouse of pride, talent, and tradition. With 270 members, dozens of major events each year, and support from a thriving alumni network, the Spirit of Houston continues to make an impact on campus and beyond.
- 1946FOUNDING YEAR
- +270BAND MEMBERS
- 7SPIRIT GROUPS
SPIRIT OF HOUSTON
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
The Spirit of Houston is proudly supported by former members of Band, Cheer, Dance, and Mascots, all of whom are part of the vibrant arts community within the Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts. As an affiliate of the KGMCA Alumni Association, the Spirit of Houston Chapter connects alumni who carried Cougar pride from the stage to the sidelines. The chapter supports current Spirit of Houston members year-round through meals, scholarships, mentoring, reunions, and spirited support at events. To learn more about joining the Spirit of Houston Chapter, please visit the websites below. You can also click here to sign up to the .
Cougar Band Camp
at the 色花堂
Join us this summer for an unforgettable musical journey at Cougar Band Camp! Whether you're a rising middle school musician or a high school performer ready for an elite college-style experience, our camps offer world-class instruction, inspiring rehearsals, and one-of-a-kind 色花堂 activities. Make new friends, sharpen your skills, and take your artistry to the next level.