The MNPS Songwriting Summit, the award-winning summer intensive program from the Metro Nashville Public Schools Visual and Performing Arts Department, sees young artists from across Nashville come together to write, record, and perform original music.
Led by their evolving skills and distinct artistic voice, the collaborative program has created their second original album Marching Into Greatness: Voices of Tomorrow, a seven-track collection exploring themes of growth,confidence, perseverance, belonging and purpose.
Rooted in the personal yet resonant experiences of young people finding
their place in the world, each track on the project is crafted to amplify the artists talent underpinned by poignant and powerful messages.
Whether on productions like the title track featuring Grammy Award-winning artist Mr. Talkbox, or “Make It Undeniable,” brought to life by Grammy Award-winning artist Tiera Kennedy, alongside rising seventh-grade students Luca McLaughlin and Carter Hammonds, every number strikes a balance between specific reflections – such as the 2026–27 MNPS theme which challenges us to pursue excellence with intention and consistency – and broader, more relatable themes that push us forward in our individual journeys.
In addition to profound songwriting, the tracks also span a variety of styles from the uptempo “Here,” written and performed by Nashville School of the Arts senior Kingston Kharif, to other tracks like “Confidence,” “Grounded,” “Beside You,” and “Above and Beyond” – all co-written by student songwriting teams.
Crafted over two days, where students developed their ideas, lyrics, melodies, and sound before entering East Iris Studios in Nashville to record, the album weaves a polished, professional approach with raw talent and potential.
Speaking of the program, Franklin Willis, Director of Visual and Performing Arts, Metro Nashville Public Schools, says, “The talent has always existed within Metro Nashville Public Schools. Our responsibility is to remove barriers, open doors, and create opportunities that amplify what our students are already capable of achieving. When young people are surrounded by encouragement, trusted with meaningful work, and given access to world-class artists, creative spaces, and mentors who believe in them, extraordinary things happen. Marching Into Greatness: Voices of Tomorrow is more than an album. It is a celebration of what is possible when we invest in students, believe in their potential, and create opportunities for their brilliance to shine.”
Offering the opportunity for Nashville’s young music lovers to develop their own ideas, experiences, and perspectives into expansive sonic worlds, the album – and the songwriting program overall – is shaped as a rewarding experience that allows rising student talent to shine, framed by heartfelt authenticity and passion.
Listen to the album here
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