Kate Moore Brown
Class of 1887 – El Paso High’s First Graduate and Pioneer Music Educator
Born in Missouri on December 17, 1871, Kate Moore grew up in Sherman, Texas, where she began her study of piano and vocal music at North Texas Female College, later known as Kidd-Key Conservatory. When her father, Francis Marion Moore, moved the family to El Paso in 1886 for health reasons, the city was just beginning to establish its first public schools.
In 1887, at only sixteen years old, Kate Moore became one of the first two graduates of El Paso’s new high school, making her the first female graduate. Gifted in music, she soon advanced the cause of arts education in a frontier community that had little exposure to classical music. In 1890, she became the first public school music teacher in El Paso—and in the entire state of Texas.
A talented performer, Moore also gave private lessons, played piano and organ for local churches, and appeared with what was considered El Paso’s first symphony group in 1893. Her independent spirit was legendary: she was the first woman in El Paso to ride a bicycle publicly, pedaling from school to school despite the town’s shock at such a sight.
After marrying William R. Brown, she continued her influential career as Kate Moore Brown, serving as president of the El Paso Woman’s Club and leading its Music Department. Under her guidance, El Paso hosted major concerts and developed a growing appreciation for fine music and art. She helped found the MacDowell Club, the El Paso Music Teachers Association, and was a driving force behind the creation of the El Paso Museum of Art.
Elected to the El Paso School Board in 1921, she was only the second woman to hold that office. Over the years, she also served on numerous civic boards, including the Chamber of Commerce and the Public Library. Her dedication to education, art, and civic life earned her the title “Mother of El Paso Music.”
Kate Moore Brown passed away in 1945, leaving behind a legacy of culture, leadership, and progress that shaped El Paso’s educational and artistic life for generations. Kate Moore Brown is buried in Evergreen Cemetery in El Paso, beside her brother, Francis Moore, completing the circle of a family whose musical influence helped shape the artistic foundations of the city.
Kate Moore Brown: Trailblazing Achievements
“Mother of El Paso Music” – A woman ahead of her time.
• First Female Graduate – Class of 1887, one of El Paso High’s first two graduates.
• First Music Teacher – In 1890, became the first public school music teacher in El Paso and in Texas.
• First Female Cyclist – The first woman seen riding a bicycle in El Paso, a symbol of modern independence.
• Arts Advocate – Founded the MacDowell Club, El Paso Music Teachers Association, and helped create the El Paso Museum of Art.
• Civic Leader – Served on the El Paso School Board, Chamber of Commerce, and Public Library Board.
Photo: Kate Moore, one of two members of El Paso High’s first graduating class in 1887.
(Courtesy of the El Paso County Historical Society)