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A Wind 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.
Who
We Are
We are E.P.I.C.C.
Through dynamic performances, intentional collaborations, and meaningful educational outreach,
Nashville African American Wind Symphony, Inc. (NAAWS) serves as a platform for musicians of color to perform, lead, and inspire at the highest artistic level. The Symphony honors cultural heritage while expanding the boundaries of traditional wind ensemble music—blending classical foundations with contemporary and culturally rooted works.
NAAWS believes music is both an artistic expression and a vehicle for change.
By centering community, creativity, and excellence, the Symphony fosters connection, celebrates culture, and cultivates the next generation of musicians and music lovers.
Our Mission
Why We Exist
The mission of NAAWS is to be E.P.I.C.C. - Educate, Perform, Inspire, Create, and Cultivate Change.
NAAWS presents high-quality wind symphony performances that reflect the richness of African American culture while promoting artistic excellence, representation, and access.
Through performance, education, and community engagement, NAAWS creates meaningful musical experiences that inspire audiences and empower musicians.
Our Vision
Looking Toward the Future
NAAWS envisions a future where wind symphony music is inclusive, culturally resonant, and accessible to all.
The organization strives to be a leading cultural institution that amplifies underrepresented voices, strengthens music education pathways, and bridges the gap between classical tradition and contemporary expression.
Our History
How It All Began
The Nashville African American Wind Symphony (NAAWS), Inc. was founded on September 19, 2020, by Dr. Bruce V. Ayers, Jr. as a platform for college-educated musicians with a passion for wind ensemble performance. Initially envisioned as a community band, NAAWS quickly evolved into a cultural institution with a broader mission centered on representation, education, and community impact. Dr. Ayers was joined by a founding leadership team of music educators and visionaries, including Ashley Crawford, a Tennessee State University music professor and NAAWS’s first president (2020–2024), Rontrell Callahan, and Dr. Terrance Bankett, who helped shape the foundation and direction of the organization. As NAAWS grew, it expanded beyond performance to address a critical gap in music education—the lack of African American representation in formal concert band settings. While marching bands thrive in many inner-city schools, access to concert ensemble training often remains limited. NAAWS works to close this gap by providing representation, education, and performance opportunities, affirming that young Black musicians belong on the concert stage. To support this mission, a distinguished Board of Directors was assembled, including Dr. Reginald McDonald (Chairman of the Board and Director), Dr. Terrance Bankett (Administration), Rontrell Callahan (Assistant Director), Alexandro Nichols (Assistant Director), Marissa King (Historian), and Stephanie Richardson (Director of Communications). The ensemble held its first rehearsal on September 19, 2021, at Tennessee State University, marking a symbolic full-circle moment on the organization’s first anniversary. Since then, NAAWS has become a vital voice in Nashville’s cultural landscape, earning recognition and support from the NAACP, NewsChannel 5, WPLN/NPR, the Relative Pitch podcast, and more. NAAWS made its public debut on June 19, 2022, with a Juneteenth performance at Belmont University’s McAfee Concert Hall, underscoring its commitment to preserving and elevating African American musical legacy. That same year, the organization launched its Youth Initiative Program, culminating in the first NAAWS Youth Honor Band at Tennessee State University, providing mentorship and performance opportunities for middle and high school students. In June 2024, NAAWS expanded its musical reach with the debut of the NAAWS Big Band at the Big Band Dances Festival in Nashville’s Centennial Park. As the organization approaches its fifth anniversary in 2025, NAAWS continues to thrive as a beacon of artistic excellence, educational equity, and cultural celebration.
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The Challenge
While marching bands thrive in many inner-city schools, opportunities to engage with formal concert band literature often remain limited—leaving a critical gap in access and representation.
Our Work
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NAAWS works to close this gap by providing representation, education, and performance access—affirming that young Black musicians belong on the concert stage.
Rooted in Culture.
Driven by Excellence.
NAAWS is more than a symphony, it’s a platform for representation, education, and artistic impact.
World-Class Wind Symphony
NAAWS delivers powerful, high-level wind symphony performances that honor classical tradition while elevating diverse and underrepresented voices.
Centering Black Musical Legacy
We spotlight African American composers, musicians, and stories expanding representation within classical and symphonic music spaces.
The Nashville African American Wind Symphony is more than an ensemble, it is a cultural movement rooted in excellence, purpose, and community. Whether you attend a performance, partner with the Wind Symphony, or support the mission, you are helping shape a more inclusive and vibrant future for symphonic music.
Join the Sound.
Support the Legacy.