Nashville, August 15, 2025

News Summary

Metro Nashville Public Schools has released a new album titled ‘I Believe I Belong,’ featuring original songs by students and local music professionals. This initiative fosters artistic expression and aims to create a sense of belonging within the school community. The album, produced during the annual Songwriting Summit, showcases the talents of young musicians. It includes five original tracks, including an anthem in English and Spanish, along with music videos premiering on the MNPS YouTube channel.

Metro Nashville

The Visual and Performing Arts department of Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) has launched a new album titled “I Believe I Belong.” This EP features a collection of songs created by students, music teachers, and professionals from the Nashville music industry, showcasing the talents and creativity of the district’s young musicians.

The album was produced during MNPS’s annual Songwriting Summit, a collaborative event that promotes artistic expression among students. By engaging with local music educators and industry experts, students had the opportunity to develop their songwriting skills and produce high-quality musical pieces. The aim of the album release is to elevate student voices and foster a deep sense of belonging within the school community through music.

The “I Believe I Belong” EP consists of five original songs. Among them are the official MNPS anthem “Every Student Known” and its Spanish counterpart, “Cada Estudiante Valorado.” These tracks reflect the district’s commitment to inclusivity and recognition of each student’s individuality. The other three songs were crafted specifically for this album, revealing the diverse range of thoughts and emotions experienced by students.

Notably, the EP opens with a spoken-word introduction by Superintendent Dr. Adrienne Battle. She is joined by 11-year-old pianist Carter Hammonds, adding a personal touch to the album’s launch. Hammonds’s performance showcases the level of talent and creativity found within MNPS.

The entire “I Believe I Belong” EP is now available for streaming across all major platforms. To further engage the community, official music videos for each of the songs will premiere on the MNPS YouTube channel. Particularly, the music video for the title track, “I Belong,” is scheduled to debut at 8 p.m. on the same day as the album’s release, along with two additional videos from the collection.

This initiative highlights the district’s ongoing efforts to nurture artistic expression in students. By creating a platform for their voices, MNPS encourages students to share their perspectives and experiences through music, which is vital for personal growth and community connection.

Background Context

Metro Nashville Public Schools has a rich history of incorporating the arts into education, recognizing that creative outlets are essential for student engagement and well-rounded development. The Songwriting Summit serves as a focal point for students to collaborate and learn from their peers and mentors. Over the years, initiatives like these have proven successful in fostering a supportive environment where students can thrive creatively.

Key Features of “I Believe I Belong” EP

• Album Title: “I Believe I Belong”
• Content: Five original songs including an anthem and its Spanish version
• Developed by: MNPS students, teachers, and Nashville music industry professionals
• Format: Available on all major streaming platforms
• Music Videos: Premiering on MNPS YouTube channel

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• WSMV: Metro Nashville Schools Visual and Performing Arts Department Releases Album
• Wikipedia: Visual and Performing Arts
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• Google Search: Diane King album
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• Live for Live Music: Billy Strings Nashville Sessions EP
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Author: HERE Nashville

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