DONATE TO NAAWS
Nashville African American Wind Symphony is a 501(c)(3) charitable tax-exempt organization.
Classical Cookout @ Centennial Park | September 21st | 5-7pm
Classical Cookout @ Centennial Park | September 21st | 5-7pm
The Nashville African American Wind Symphony (NAAWS) is a beacon of artistic excellence and cultural empowerment. As a 501(c)(3) charitable tax-exempt organization, we are dedicated to enriching our community by promoting diversity in music, advocating for education, and delivering unforgettable performances.
About Us
Who We Are
NAAWS is more than a symphony—we are a movement committed to fostering diversity in the musical arts. Our ensemble highlights the talent and artistry of African-American musicians, creating a platform that reflects and celebrates our community's rich cultural heritage.
Join the Nashville African American Wind Symphony, Inc. (NAAWS) as we celebrate our 5-year anniversary with The Classical Cookout, a soulful concert experience blending R&B and hip-hop vibes with the power of a live wind symphony. Hosted by Nashville’s own Rashad Rayford, the evening will feature some of the city’s best vocalists, opening show vibes by DJ Braveheart, and soulful R&B and hip-hop vibes by the Nashville African American Wind Symphony-- including the viral NAAWS arrangement of Earth, Wind & Fire’s “Can’t Hide Love.”
Guests can enjoy food from local vendor trucks, shop exclusive NAAWS merch, and soak up the energy of community and culture under the evening sky at the Centennial Park Band Shell. Join us on Sunday, September 21, 2025, from 5:00–7:00 PM as we kick off Season 5 in style and celebrate five years of music, legacy, and soul.
This event is FREE and open to the public. Donations are accepted.
Why NAAWS Matters
Empowering Musicians & Enriching Communities
NAAWS is dedicated to creating pathways for African-American musicians to thrive in the classical and wind symphony space. Our programs mentor the next generation, ensuring that our community’s voices are heard
Bridging the Gap
Despite strides in diversity, African-American musicians remain vastly underrepresented in symphonies across the nation. NAAWS addresses this disparity by offering a platform that nurtures talent, celebrates culture, and brings diverse voices to the forefront of the musical arts.
Impact Beyond the Stage
Our outreach initiatives bring music education to underserved communities, fostering creativity, leadership, and confidence in young musicians. Through workshops, scholarships, and community partnerships
SERVICES
Advocating for Music Education
NAAWS advocates for promoting music education. Learning to play an instrument stimulates the brain, improving functions like memory and abstract reasoning skills, which are essential for maths and science.
It also builds skills in leadership and team-building, as well as showing you the rewards of working with others.
Advocating for Minorities in Instrumental Music
African-Americans musicians are underrepresented in formal ensembles. Between 1980 to 2014, musician diversity saw substantial growth in numbers, however African-American and Hispanic/Latino musicians remained extremely low.