H.R. No. 779 is a resolution celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University, which will be commemorated in 2025. The school was established in 1974, following an endowment from Sallie Shepherd Perkins in 1950, and has since become one of the leading music programs in the United States. With a limited enrollment of 275 students, the Shepherd School offers specialized instruction in various musical disciplines and boasts a faculty of world-class musicians. Its alumni have achieved significant recognition, including Pulitzer Prizes and Grammy Awards, and have performed at prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall.

The resolution acknowledges the school's contributions to the music community, highlighting its annual hosting of over 400 free concerts and recitals that attract around 70,000 attendees. Under the leadership of Dean Matthew Loden, the Shepherd School has provided a strong foundation for its students' careers in music. The Texas House of Representatives expresses its congratulations and best wishes for the continued success of the Shepherd School of Music, and an official copy of the resolution will be prepared as a token of esteem. The resolution was adopted by the House on April 17, 2025, with a vote of 133 in favor and 7 against.