In a city known around the world for music and creativity, Metro Nashville Public Schools is highlighting how arts education helps students build confidence, creativity, and a sense of purpose.

This spring, the district premiered Music City High: A Celebration of the Arts in Nashville Public Schools, a three-part documentary series following students and educators involved in visual and performing arts programs across Nashville schools. Produced in partnership with The Moving Picture Boys, the series explores how arts education supports student growth both inside and outside the classroom.

The project premiered in April during special events hosted by Belcourt Theatre and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Students, families, educators, and community supporters gathered to celebrate the creativity and talent showcased across Nashville public schools.

Following the success of the Emmy-winning Every Student Known project, Music City High continues the district’s commitment to telling student-centered stories. The series takes viewers into rehearsals, classrooms, competitions, and performances, showcasing the dedication behind each arts program.

“The arts are not an extra. They are essential,” said Adrienne Battle, superintendent of Metro Nashville Public Schools in a press release. “These films capture what happens when students are given the freedom to create and the support to grow.”

Each episode highlights a different school and arts program:

• Band Camp follows the award-winning Cane Ridge Rhythmic Ravens Marching Band at Cane Ridge High School during two weeks of summer training, showcasing how students build teamwork, leadership, and discipline through music.
• When the Blueberries Get Ripe features a student artist at Hume-Fogg Academic Magnet High School balancing digital art, robotics, athletics, and family legacy while discovering her own creative path.
• Behind the Magic takes viewers inside Warner Arts Elementary, where students prepare for an original musical created by their teachers while developing confidence, responsibility, and a sense of belonging. 

Franklin Willis, director of visual and performing arts for Metro Nashville Public Schools and producer of the series, said Music City High was created to show how arts education helps students grow both creatively and personally while strengthening connections to their schools and communities.

The series also highlights the importance of community partnerships in supporting arts education. Organizations, including the CMA Foundation and Notes for Education, helped support the project and continue investing in opportunities for Nashville students.

The first episode is now streaming, with additional episodes released weekly on the district’s YouTube channel and website.