Nashville African American Wind Symphony

The Nashville African American Wind Symphony (NAAWS), Inc. was founded in 2020 by Dr. Bruce V. Ayers, Jr. with the mission to provide cultural enrichment, music education, and performance opportunities while increasing African American representation in the wind band tradition. Based in Nashville, NAAWS is a world-class ensemble that uplifts diverse voices through dynamic performances, educational initiatives such as the Youth Honor Band, and programs like the Composer-in-Residence. In just five years, NAAWS has made a lasting impact on the region’s cultural landscape and continues to inspire the next generation of musicians.