The advisory council of Music Makes Us, which has supported music education programs in Metro Nashville Public Schools for 10 years, has appointed community developer and local arts advocate Brian Sexton as Chair and Deputy Mayor Brenda Haywood as Vice Chair for 2022-23.
The commitment of leaders and organizations in the public and private sectors has enabled Music Makes Us to invest in music teachers and their students, expanding opportunities for all MNPS students.
“The success of Music Makes Us is so important for our MNPS teachers and students who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic as well as students who have been historically shut out of access and opportunities within our music landscape here in Nashville,” said Sexton, who founded Creatives’ Day to celebrate Nashville’s creative community. “As the new incoming Chair of Music Makes Us, I look forward to the challenge of brokering sustainable relationships between MNPS teachers, students and Music City stakeholders.”
“Rhythm is music’s pattern and time and Music Makes Us whole,” said Deputy Mayor Brenda Haywood. “As a retired educator and former MNPS band student, I learned early that music plays a significant role in a child’s self-awareness. Music is his or her life’s rhythm!”
“We are very grateful for the service of Mr. Sexton and Deputy Mayor Haywood,” said Jeff Smith, Director of Visual and Performing Arts for MNPS. “Music Makes Us is celebrating a decade of support for music education programs in Metro Nashville Schools. Together with our advisory council we will continue to provide equitable access to music programs of excellence.”
Learn More about Music Makes Us
Music Makes Us is the collective impact model that brings together Metro Nashville Public Schools, the Mayor’s Office and the Nashville music community to provide meaningful support for our music programs. Our goal is to increase access, participation and quality of music education for all MNPS students.
Through Music Makes Us, our schools receive instruments, instructional assistance, supplies and equipment. Music Makes Us provides professional learning and recognition opportunities for our teachers.
Get involved with Music Makes Us today.