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 area students providing opportunities for exposure, education and engagement with local Nashville-based artists and area artistic organizations.
The mission of We Are Nashville is to "build community through music".
HOW IT ALL BEGAN
Bryson Finney, 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, which is why We Are Nashville has become such a success. The event was initially birthed in 2017 through the vision and collaboration of our past MNPS English Learner Director 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 past 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
This program is more than a show, it's an experience! Once choral and instrumental ensembles are selected during the Fall Semester, they receive their music and begin rehearsing on their individual school campuses. During the "We Are Nashville Day of Music", participating students enjoy music-based break-out sessions led by local community partners/artist, joint rehearsals and a meal shared by all participants. The day is truly an experience you'll never forget. The day concludes with a musical show involving all of our student musicians/vocalist and community partners/artist, open to the public! The beauty of this event is that it purposely brings together communities from all over Nashville to experience the power of unity through the artistic expression that makes this city so special, music.
As "We Are Nashville" continues to grow, your support is heavily valued, help us to do more than simply entertain, let's empower our young artist and unite a city through music!