When high students from Metro Nashville Public Schools set out to write a song at a districtwide music summit in summer 2024, they were given a title, “Every Student Known,” a song structure, a deadline of four days and the encouragement and advice of two music specialists.
The result was remarkable, and those who attend the AASA’s conference’s 1st General Session on Thursday afternoon will experience it. All will be treated to a musical explosion of sound when 60 student performers of the MNPS Marching Band at Antioch High School take the stage in the convention center’s large assembly hall.
During the conference’s 2nd General Session at 8:50 a.m. on Friday morning, the MNPS Songwriting Troupe’s 15 high school students from across the district will perform several songs.
During the music summit, the students composed a rousing, joyful anthem with a bouncy tune, beautiful harmonies and a powerful promise: “Every student known/A goal we won’t let go./ It’s our commitment to see the brilliance in you.”
What came next made music history for MNPS, literally. In February 2025, it won a regional Emmy award for a 9-minute music video “Every Student Known: The Making of an Anthem,” which took viewers on a journey of students as they wrote, practiced and recorded the song.
Adrienne Battle, director (superintendent) of Metro Nashville Public Schools, is proud of the success of the students’ music education team’s work and believes the anthem “perfectly reflects the mission and mantra of the district,” according to a statement on the district’s website.
Affirmations, belonging and community – what the district calls the ABCs—are an important priority when it comes to creating a culture that supports students.
In one original song, “I Believe I Belong” written by students and music educators, positive affirmations are communicated in different ways: “I am beautiful./ I am powerful./I am brave enough to try again. /I can do anything. …./I believe in me.” Attendees will see these affirmations and the power of song in students’ musical performances.
To listen to the student musicians performing “Every Student Known” and three original songs recorded during the summer 2025 music summit, visit the district’s website.” The compositions also are available on all streaming platforms and YouTube.
(Liz Griffin is a senior editor of Conference Daily Online and managing editor of AASA’s School Administrator magazine.)