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Preserving Culture.
Elevating Sound.
Inspiring Community.
Who We Are
A Symphony Rooted in Culture.
The Nashville African American Wind Symphony (NAAWS) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to artistic excellence, cultural representation, and community connection through the performance of wind symphony music.
NAAWS exists to elevate diverse voices within classical and symphonic music while creating powerful, accessible musical experiences that engage audiences across Nashville and beyond.
Upcoming Performances & Events
NAAWS is more than a symphony it’s a platform for representation, education, and artistic impact.
Youth Honor Band Festival Finale ConcertSun, Mar 22James Lawson High School.
Celebration of Freedom Juneteenth ConcertSun, Jun 14Nashville Symphony Schermerhorn Symphony
Nashville African American Wind Symphony Christmas ConcertTue, Dec 01Nashville
More Than Music — A Movement
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Educate
We invest in the future of music through educational initiatives that provide access, mentorship, and exposure to high-level artistic experiences. Through youth programs, workshops, masterclasses, and community partnerships, NAAWS nurtures musical growth while promoting cultural awareness and lifelong learning.
Perform
Performance is the heartbeat of our mission. NAAWS presents dynamic, high-quality concerts that celebrate diverse composers, honor cultural heritage, and elevate wind symphony music. Our performances connect tradition and innovation while creating powerful shared experiences for audiences of all backgrounds.
Inspire
We inspire through representation, excellence, and storytelling. By centering musicians and composers of color, NAAWS creates space for voices that have historically been underrepresented in classical music, empowering artists and audiences alike to envision new possibilities.
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Create
Creativity drives everything we do. NAAWS champions new works, collaborative projects, and original programming that expand the boundaries of wind ensemble music. From premieres to interdisciplinary partnerships, we foster artistic creation that reflects both culture and community.
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Cultivate Change
Beyond the stage, NAAWS is committed to meaningful impact. Through intentional community engagement, access initiatives, and strategic partnerships, we use music as a catalyst for connection, equity, and cultural advancement, cultivating lasting change in Nashville and beyond.
The Mission of the Nashville African American Wind Symphony, Inc. is to be
E.P.I.C.C.
Educate • Perform • Inspire • Create • Cultivate Change
Hear the Story.
Feel the Legacy.
Every performance tells a story of resilience, creativity, and cultural pride.
Through music, NAAWS connects generations and builds bridges across communities.
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Connect with Us
Stay connected to the Nashville African American Wind Symphony and be part of the movement that celebrates culture, excellence, and community through music.
Whether you’re attending a concert, supporting our mission, or looking for ways to get involved, we invite you to join us and experience the power of the symphonic tradition—reimagined.
