WHAT IS IT? The We Are Nashville Festival is a music festival (choral & instrumental) for middle TN school-based music ensembles. The purpose of the event is to provide a rich musical experience for local students fostering opportunities for exposure, education and engagement with local Nashville-based artists and arts organizations. The mission of the We Are Nashville Festival is to "build community through music".
HOW IT BEGAN Bryson Finney, Co-founder and Artistic Director, is a music educator in the Nashville area. As an educator at the Elementary level, his goal has always been to inspire young minds, to plant a seed and ignite a dream. "You can change a child's mindset and trajectory in life simply by what you expose them to" states B.Finney. The event was initially birthed in 2017 through the vision and collaboration of past Metro Nashville Public Schools English Learner Director Dr. Kevin Stacy and current event Director Bryson Finney. Combined with the efforts of Music Educators Christopher Blackmon, Ann Marie Morris, Kathryn Affainie, and Franklin Willis and the support from previous MNPS Arts Director Dr. Nola Jones, the initial design of “We Are Nashville” was established and the first festival was launched Spring 2018. We Are Nashville strategically exist year after year during the month of March, also known as "Music in Our Schools Month".
THE WAN MODEL The Festival is more than a show, it's an experience! During the "We Are Nashville Day of Music", participating students gather to enjoy music-based break-out sessions led by local Nashville-based artist, joint rehearsals of prepared repertoire, and a meal shared by all participants. The day concludes with a musical performance involving all student participants and community partners/artist that is open to the public! The beauty of this event is evident in its ability to unite communities throughout Music City through the artistic expression that makes this city so special, music.