Meet Dr. Bruce Ayers of Nashville African American Wind Symphony, Inc. (NAAWS)

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Bruce Ayers.

Hi Dr. Bruce , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey began in Dover, Delaware, where I was raised in a close-knit, musically rich family. I was drawn to music early—at just four years old, I started playing on an old upright piano in my grandparents’ home. That early curiosity grew into a deep love for music, and by second grade, I was already playing trumpet in a private lesson studio that my parents invested in. Later, I transitioned to euphonium in high school, which ultimately became my primary instrument and a lifelong passion.
As I grew older, I realized that music was more than just a personal outlet, it was a vehicle for leadership, expression, and education. I pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education at Virginia State University, where I was exposed to the unique cultural and academic environment of an HBCU. This experience helped shape my understanding of the importance of representation and cultural identity in classical music.

After college, I moved to Nashville and began teaching while also continuing my own education. I earned a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from Tennessee State University, followed by a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Trevecca Nazarene University. These academic experiences equipped me with both the pedagogical and strategic tools to become a more effective educator and leader.

As I reflected on my adolescent academic career, I consistently found myself as one of VERY few—sometimes the only—African American musician in All-State, district and county honor ensembles, and other supplemental symphonic settings outside of the classroom. That realization of that absence of representation was motivating, drafting my idea to create something that not only addressed that void but also elevated Black artistry and community.

In 2019, I founded the Nashville African American Wind Symphony (NAAWS) with a vision to create a space where African American musicians could perform at a high level, be celebrated, and inspire the next generation. As Founder, CEO, and Musical Director, I have had the privilege of building this organization from the ground up—offering world-class performances, youth mentorship, and cultural programming that amplifies Black voices in classical and wind band music.
Today, as a Professor of Music, and Music Education Consultant, I continue to advocate for music education, cultural equity, and community engagement through every platform I am part of. The journey hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been deeply meaningful—and I remain committed to building a legacy rooted in excellence, representation, and transformation through music.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has definitely not been smooth—but every challenge has played a crucial role in shaping who we are as an organization today.

The idea for the Nashville African American Wind Symphony (NAAWS) was born out of a passion to create space for African American classical musicians. But launching that vision in 2019, just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, was a major hurdle. We were trying to establish something meaningful during a time when the world was shutting down. Rehearsals were delayed, performances postponed, and there were moments of uncertainty when it wasn’t clear if we’d be able to move forward at all.

One of our earliest challenges was simply finding facilities that would allow us to rehearse safely and affordably. Many venues were closed or had restrictions, and without a dedicated space of our own, we had to rely on the generosity of partners and the flexibility of our musicians. That uncertainty made those first few rehearsals and performances even more special—we were building something despite the odds.

Starting a nonprofit with no prior experience in the nonprofit sector was another steep learning curve. Navigating the legal process to establish our 501(c)(3), understanding compliance, board development, fundraising, and writing grants—all of it was new. I had to become a student all over again, learning in real time how to lead an arts organization from both an artistic and administrative standpoint.

We also faced challenges in assembling a dynamic and committed leadership team. It took time to find the right people who believed in the vision, were passionate about the mission, and had the expertise to help build something sustainable. But eventually, we did—and that core team has been instrumental in NAAWS’s success. Special shoutout to the Founding Board; Ashley M. Crawford, (Founding President) Dr. Reginald A. McDonald, (Founding Board Chairman) Alexandro Nichols, (Associate Conductor) Rontrell Callahan, (Assistant Conductor) Stephanie Richardson, (Founding Marketing Director) Dr. Terrance Bankett, (Founding Director of Operations) Nicholas Weaver, (Founding Development Director) and Marissa King, (Historian)

Another major struggle was ensuring that our musicians—especially, early-career artists—had access to quality instruments. Not everyone owns their own, and acquiring instruments required creativity, community support, and resourcefulness. We’re still working toward creating an instrument fund to ensure no musician is turned away due to lack of resources, and currently working diligently to secure a permanent facility of our own that NAAWS can call home, forever.

Marketing was another uphill battle. We had to create a brand, a digital presence, and a story that would resonate in a city saturated with music. Nashville is known as “Music City,” but not always for classical or wind band music—let alone ensembles that center around African American musicians. So we had to carve out space and prove that we weren’t just another group—we were adding something vital to the city’s musical identity.

What I believe sets us apart, and what ultimately helps us thrive, is that we offer something different. We’re not here to compete—we’re here to contribute. Our music, our mission of being E.P.I.C.C. (Educate, Perform, Inspire, Create, and Cultivate Change), and our cultural perspective add to the richness of what makes Nashville a true music city. We’re honoring tradition while also pushing it forward, and that’s something people have really connected with.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
The Nashville African American Wind Symphony (NAAWS) is a professional “wind’ symphony, (we are not an orchestra) founded to celebrate, uplift, and showcase African American musicians in a genre where we have historically been underrepresented. We are not just a performance ensemble—we are a cultural movement, a platform for artistry, and a vehicle for education, empowerment, and community engagement.

What we do is perform. But what we specialize in is creating an experience. Our performances are rooted in excellence and cultural pride, and while we perform standard literature and transcriptions at a high level, we intentionally highlight works by Black composers and conductors, blending classical traditions with contemporary relevance. We are very excited for Mr. Cameron Jones, a current Junior at Tennessee State University, who is the very first NAAWS Composer in Residence, for the past two years, we have programed at least two of Cam’s beautifully curated original compositions and arrangements per performance. We are known for presenting powerful, emotionally resonant concerts that reflect the Black experience, celebrate Black contributions to music, and provide opportunities for professional musicians of color to thrive on stage.
What sets us apart is our mission and purpose. In a city bursting with music—from country to gospel to jazz—we are proud to add a new dimension to Nashville’s soundscape. We are the only organization of our kind in which we are confident to state in the Nation—a professional wind ensemble centered on African American musicianship, history, and leadership. Our presence in “Music City” is not a duplication of what’s already here; it’s an expansion of it. We’re creating space in classical and wind band music for stories, voices, and sounds that have too often been excluded.

Brand-wise, we’re most proud of how our work resonates across generations. From our annual Juneteenth Freedom Day concert at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center, to our Youth Honor Band Program—which provides mentorship, instruction, and performance opportunities for young musicians—we are building a brand that is as much about community as it is about artistry. Our identity is rooted in our five guiding principles: Educate, Perform, Inspire, Create, and Cultivate Change—or, as we call it, being EPICC.

Although we do not claim to be perfect or the best at what we do, we want readers to know that NAAWS is here to stay. We are continuing to grow, serve, and challenge norms, while offering world-class performances, educational outreach, community partnerships, and cultural programming—all with the goal of honoring Black excellence in music while inspiring the next generation of musicians and leaders.

Whether you’re a music lover, educator, student, or simply someone who believes in the power of the arts, there is a place for you in our history and story.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
“Esse quam videri,”is a Latin phrase meaning “To be, rather than to seem.” Which is maybe the most important lesson that I’ve learned on my journey! It is this phenomenon that we don’t need to be “perfect” to be truly inspirational and/or impactful. In the Black community, there is often a subtle pressure to live under the veil of perfectionism, an expectation that I work consciously to release every day. The truth I’ve discovered is that our most powerful and impactful selves emerge when we embrace our authenticity. It is in our imperfections, our vulnerability, and our realness that we find the capacity to inspire others. Perfection, I’ve come to understand, is an illusion—what matters most is the courage to be unapologetically yourself, because we’re all just “trying to figure it out!”

Pricing:

• 4th Annual Juneteenth Concert- Monday, June 16th, 2025 7:00pm Schermerhorn Symphony Center. Tickets can be purchased at:https://tickets.nashvillesymphony.org/10056/10057
• NAAWS Full 60 Member Ensemble: $5,000.00 Per Hour
• NAAWS Big Jazz Band: $3,500.00 Per Hour
• NAAWS Combo Ensemble: $2,500.00 Per Hour
• Please inquire about full pricing information by visiting our website www.naawsmusic.org, or by emailing [email protected]

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.naawsmusic.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naaws_music
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NAAWSMusic/
• LinkedIn: @naaws_muisc
• Twitter: @naaws_muisc
• Youtube: @naaws_muisc