Dr. Kenny Sheppard’s contributions to arts and culture in Georgetown were recognized in a mayoral proclamation at the City Council meeting on June 26, 2018.

Dr. Kenny Sheppard has been a driving force behind Southwestern University’s Music Department for the last 44 years, starting at Southwestern in 1974. As Professor of Music at Southwestern University, he conducted the University Chorale and the Southwestern Singers and taught thousands of students including numerous music educators and conductors.

Under his leadership the Southwestern University The Choral has performed at Carnegie Hall, the Orchestra of Santa Fe Bach Festival, the Austin Symphony, Big Spring Symphony, Fort Worth Symphony, Temple Symphony, Austin Civic Orchestra, and Air Force Band. Internationally, Dr. Sheppard has led the Southwestern University Chorale in performances in China, Italy and Paris.

Dr. Kenny Sheppard was awarded  the Texas Choral Directors Association’s top honor in July 2016, the Texas Choir Master Award which has only been received by sixteen conductors since 1978.

Dr. Kenny Sheppard created the Central Texas Chorale which became the San Gabriel Chorale in 1988, with a majority of its members being Georgetown residents.  He conducted the chorus until 1998.  For many residents of Georgetown the chorus has been a weekly home to create and sing at the highest levels. The San Gabriel Chorale has created a significant impact on the arts in Georgetown.

Since the 2005 creation of the Georgetown Festival of the Arts, Dr. Sheppard has led the Festival Chorus and Orchestra.