We Are Nashville Festival

A program of Community Arts Collective in partnership with the Nashville Symphony
Date: Next Festival - March 15, 2027
Location: Schermerhorn Symphony Center

Students & Parents

Who can participate in the Festival?
K–12 public, private, and charter school music programs in Davidson, Rutherford, Williamson, Wilson, Sumner, Robertson and Cheatham Counties are invited to apply to participate in the We Are Nashville Festival.

Is there a cost for students?
Yes. A $20 student participation fee helps cover Festival expenses, collected by your music teacher unless otherwise instructed. Financial assistance is available to ensure all students may participate.

What can students expect?
Students will take part in collaborative rehearsals, workshops with professional artists, and a culminating performance on the iconic stage at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center.

What is the attire for the performance?
Festival T-shirts are provided for all participants. Students will pair this with black performance attire.

How is transportation handled?
Transportation will be coordinated by each participating school. Families should consult their music educator for details.

Are meals provided for students?
Yes. Lunch and light refreshments will be provided for all student participants on the day of the Festival. Dietary needs can be indicated during registration so accommodations may be made where possible.

Educators

How does an ensemble apply?
Directors submit an application by the published deadline. Applications are posted on the website for ease of access. Accepted ensembles will receive preparation materials, repertoire, and scheduling information.

What happens during the festival day?
The We Are Nashville Festival is a one-day immersive music experience. Students spend the day in downtown Nashville participating in artist-led workshops, collaborative rehearsals, and musical learning alongside student ensembles, local artists, and arts organizations from across Middle Tennessee, culminating in a public concert at 7:00 p.m.

What are the expectations for directors?
Directors are responsible for submitting necessary field trip paperwork required by school, preparing students on assigned repertoire, supervising their ensemble during the event, and maintaining communication with the Festival team and parents.

Directors also participate in two required meetings:

• Educator Planning Day in January at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center — A professional learning day where participating educators prepare for the festival through repertoire study, festival logistics, collaboration with guest artists and fellow music educators, and resources to support student success. (This day may qualify as professional learning through your school district or school administration.)

• Virtual Festival Preparation Meeting the weekend before the Festival — a final review of the schedule, logistics, and performance flow.

How is repertoire chosen?
Repertoire is selected by the Festival programmatic team. It includes a blend of traditional works, culturally relevant pieces, and new arrangements created to reflect our Nashville community. Many works will be arranged or composed by Nashville artists.

Local Artists

How are artists selected?
Artists are invited based on alignment with the Festival’s mission, educational value, and capacity to collaborate with students.

What roles do artists play?
Artists may lead workshops, join rehearsals, perform with ensembles, and share their creative experiences with students.

Are artists compensated?
Yes. Stipends are provided in recognition of artists’ time and expertise.

What is expected beyond performance?
Artists are asked to engage with students in meaningful ways — mentoring, collaborating, and inspiring young musicians through their example.

How can I express interest in participating as a guest artist?
Send an email to admin@communityartsco.org detailing your creative practice (vocalist, instrumentalist, conductor, composer/arranger etc.) and your interest in the Festival.