"I Believe I Belong" Album

This summer, I had the incredible honor of working alongside some of the most gifted student artists and dedicated educators in our district during the MNPS Songwriting Summit as we collaborated to bring our district’s album, “I Believe, I Belong,” to life. From the first chord to the final vocal take, I witnessed something truly special: students from all walks of life tapping into their creative brilliance, not only expressing their truths but connecting with one another in deep, authentic ways.

It was powerful to watch these young creatives take ownership of the lyrics, owning their stories, their voices, and their message.

In the studio, the natural unprompted collaboration that took place was truly inspiring. Every note, every harmony, every lyric felt intentional and personal, a reflection of the undeniable talent that lives within our schools.

What I hope our entire community hears in this album is more than just beautiful music — I hope they hear the creativity, uniqueness, passion, and pure talent that exists right here in our district.

This project is more than a collection of songs; it’s a bold affirmation to every student, every family, and every educator that no matter who you are, where you’re from, how you feel, or what the world says about you — you are here on purpose, and you belong. This album speaks directly to the heart of the community and the creatives behind it. It’s a declaration that we can do anything we set our minds to, and that our voices, united, have the power to inspire change.

Creating Every Student Known last summer was a truly special experience. I knew we had to bring the summit back — but honestly, I was a little nervous. ESK set the bar high, and the pressure to follow it up was real.

In ESK, the students rap the lyrics: “Exceeding expectations — we’re gonna do this.” And wow—did they ever.

With I Belong and I Believe, they exceeded expectations in every way. The collaboration was electric. The encouragement they gave one another throughout the process was deeply heartwarming. They took risks. They leaned in. They tried everything we asked of them and more!

They DID THAT, as the young people say—and they meant it.

I can’t wait to share these songs with our community. You’re going to feel what we felt: joy, pride, and the power of student voice.

I Belong is a declaration of how important and powerful it is to experience authentic community. Our students deserve to have a safe space to grow and learn and come into their own with guidance, love, and acceptance.

I had the amazing opportunity to participate in the Songwriting Summit alongside the talented students and dedicated staff of MNPS. So much happened in such a short time.

It was an inspiring and collaborative experience where creativity flowed freely and everyone brought their unique voice to the table. From brainstorming lyrics to composing melodies, every moment was filled with growth, laughter, and discovery.

Being a part of this summit reminded me how powerful music can be when it’s used to connect, uplift, and tell stories. I would definitely do it all over again!

Being a mentor and teacher at the 2025 Songwriting Summit was truly an honor and a privilege. Each student brought their own unique voice, perspectives, and talent as well as a remarkable level of drive and dedication.

The support, encouragement, and genuine enthusiasm they shared throughout the process was deeply inspiring and amazing to witness.

There was an atmosphere of true collaboration and creative risk-taking between students and teachers alike. The camaraderie was unmatched, and it made every moment special, from the songwriting process to recording at a professional music studio. I feel grateful, excited, and hopeful for the future of music education in our district.

What I want our Nashville community to take away from these songs:

I would like our Nashville community to not only experience and praise the talents of the students involved, but to recognize that these students are a reflection of the incredible creative potential that exists throughout our entire district.

The messages behind I Believe and I Belong exemplify the passion and dedication these students commit to both self-care and education. They are affirmation that when students are empowered to express themselves, they can create something that transcends the classroom. I hope these two songs inspire other students, families, and broader community alike.