HWS News
15 January 2026 Finding His Rhythm in Geneva
Through weekly piano lessons, Ben Sheppard ’29 shares his love for music with local children at the Salvation Army.
When Ben Sheppard ’29 arrived at Hobart and William Smith from Hershey, Pa., he expected to spend his first semester finding his footing on campus, going to classes and making new friends. He didn’t expect to become a familiar and much-loved presence to more than two dozen Geneva children at the Salvation Army’s weekly music program.
Each Wednesday evening last semester, Sheppard volunteered alongside Corps Officer Captain Manuel Sulca to support a free music and arts program that serves 25 to 30 children in third through sixth grades. The program includes music theory, choral singing, brass instruction, dance and movement classes, dinner and transportation — all provided at no cost to families.
Corps Officer Captain Manuel Sulca brings his music students to watch Ben Sheppard ’29 at his Hobart and William Smith choir concert.
Sheppard connected to the Salvation Army in October through his First-Year Seminar. Commonly referred to as “FSEMs,” these courses help introduce first-year students to college life and coursework and include a service-learning commitment. Sheppard’s first-year mentor Elle Gordon '28 read about the Salvation Army’s program and encouraged him to check it out.
On a typical night there, Sheppard helps lead music theory, teaches choral harmony, accompanies singers on the piano and helps brass students read music as they play.
“I love music,” Sheppard says. “I was in band all my life, and I’m in the choral program on campus. Being able to share something that’s meant so much to me and give these kids the chance to experience music the way I did — that’s really special.”
For Sheppard, the opportunity has also been a meaningful way to connect with the Geneva community beyond campus. Many of the students in the program come from Spanish-speaking households, a setting that was new to him.
“I would say 80 to 90% of the kids speak Spanish — as do our pastor and captain. It can be tricky for me sometimes, but they all speak excellent English,” Sheppard says. “It’s great to see a different part of the community, especially coming from a more rural environment where I’ve always been surrounded by English.”
Sulca is grateful for Sheppard’s dedication. “Ben has been such a great support for our music arts program,” he says. “He’s very talented — he sings, plays piano and understands music deeply — but beyond that, the kids love him. Every Wednesday they ask, ‘Where is Ben?’”
That connection was on full display when Sheppard invited the Salvation Army students to attend a Hobart and William Smith choir concert earlier this semester. For many, it was their first time visiting a college campus.
“They were so excited to see him in action,” Sulca says. “It gave them exposure to what’s possible. That’s one of our goals — not just to keep kids engaged and off the streets, but to show them pathways for their future.”
In addition to teaching, Sheppard has volunteered during the Salvation Army’s Christmas campaign, ringing bells and recruiting friends from HWS to help raise funds. He also assists with transportation, helping load vans and ensure students get home safely.
Despite juggling coursework and first-year commitments, Sheppard consistently shows up.
“He's always on time: ready for us to pick him up, and when we drop him home, he lets us drop off all the kids first. He is a wonderful kid,” Sulca says.
“For us, having a college student who is faithful every week means a lot.”
Sheppard plans to return to the program when it resumes Jan. 28, continuing a commitment he never anticipated but now can’t imagine giving up.
The Geneva Salvation Army is looking for more volunteers to join Sheppard as teachers in their music program. Learn more here.
Top: Ben Sheppard ’29 works one-on-one with students in the Salvation Army’s advanced class before their Christmas concert.
