MULTIMEDIA
The National Association of Negro Musicians, Inc. is an organization rich in musical history, and is supported by people of strong cultural ideals and high musical standards. We welcome you to view various media that showcases our "Pride in a cultural heritage."
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Please use the links below to navigate to the appropriate page.
MULTIMEDIA
The National Association of Negro Musicians, Inc. is an organization rich in musical history, and is supported by people of strong cultural ideals and high musical standards. We welcome you to view various media that showcases our "Pride in a cultural heritage."
​
Please use the links below to navigate to the appropriate page.
Convention Schedule (Tentative)
This year's convention will be held July 18-22, 2026 at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott in Norfolk, Virginia. Here is a tentative schedule of the many events that we are planning.
Saturday, July 18, 2026
Arrival / Check-In / Welcome
On-site registration and check-in will be available at select hours throughout the week to assist attendees with credentials, materials, schedules, and event access.
New Century Competition for Percussion
This exciting competition highlights the next generation of percussion talent while celebrating the rich legacy and future of Black classical music and performance excellence.
Sunday, July 19, 2026
NANM Walk of Fame Exhibit | All-Day
Explore the NANM Walk of Fame Exhibit, a tribute to the extraordinary musicians, educators, composers, and arts leaders whose achievements have shaped the legacy and impact of Black music.
Opening Mass Gathering
This event officially launches the convention week with a spirited celebration of music, fellowship, and unity. Attendees from across the country will come together to kick-of an inspiring week of performances, workshops, and events.
National Scholarship Competition: Woodwinds & Brass | 12:30 PM
Our annual scholarship competition highlights exceptional young musicians demonstrating outstanding artistry, technical skill, and musical achievement. NANM celebrates excellence in performance while supporting the continued growth and development of emerging instrumental talent.
TAM Hall of Fame Gala Concert | 7:00 PM
This special event will feature outstanding performances by NANM's regional representatives, a featured appearance by plenary speaker Nolan Williams, Jr., and the induction of the 2026 TAM Hall of Fame class. The evening will also include a special tribute to the late trumpeter and educator Bob Ransom, featuring a commemorative performance by Duane Smith and the Virginia Experiment.
The 2026 Hall of Fame inductees are:
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Dr. William Rogers, Jr. (posthumous) – Author, Musicologist, and Educator
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R. Nathaniel Dett (posthumous) – Former NANM National President & Composer
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Sissieretta Jones (posthumous) – Opera Singer
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Ella Fitzgerald (posthumous) – Jazz Musician, Songwriter & Composer
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Pearl Bailey (posthumous) – Actress, Comedian & Author
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Margaret "Peggy" Davis (posthumous) – Strings Educator and Mentor
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Dr. Effie Gardner (posthumous) – Music Educator & Pianist
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Peggy Britt – Gospel Artist
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Beverly Baker – Violist & Music Educator
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Ryan Speedo Green – Opera Singer
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Roscoe Redcross – Music Education Advocate
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Earl Bynum – Gospel Artist
Life Members Reception | 9:30 PM
Post-concert reception for the Life Members Guild, whose enduring commitment and support have helped sustain NANM for generations.
Monday, July 20, 2026
NANM Walk of Fame Exhibit
Explore the NANM Walk of Fame Exhibit, a tribute to the extraordinary musicians, educators, composers, and arts leaders whose achievements have shaped the legacy and impact of Black music.
NANM StoryCorp
Share, preserve, and celebrate the stories that shape our musical heritage through the NANM StoryCorps, an oral history initiative capturing the memories, experiences, and legacy of NANM members and supporters for future generations.
Scholarship Masterclass | 11:15 AM
Experience a dynamic lineup of workshops led by distinguished artists, scholars, and industry professionals. These sessions will explore performance, vocal technique, music education, leadership, entrepreneurship, history, and the enduring legacy of Black music and culture.
Brian Fenderson • The Double Bar-Line: Career Readiness for HBCU Voice Majors | 11:15 AM
Baritone and educator Brian L. Fenderson joins the 2026 NANM Convention lineup to present “The Double Bar-Line: Career Readiness for HBCU Voice Majors.”
Plenary Speaker: Nolan Williams, Jr.
Creating "Just Like Selma" | 1:00 PM
Featured performers include the acclaimed Sherman Greene Chorale, renowned trumpeter Duane Smith, the Virginia Tidewater Chapter of the Gospel Music Workshop of America, celebrated violist Beverly Baker, sopranos Lorraine Bell and Amber P. Garrett, the Boys Choir of Hampton Roads, and the vibrant sounds of the Mosaic Steel Orchestra.
Dr. Thurman D. Hollins • Becoming the Black Music Educator: Interpreting Identity, Race, and Professional Self | 2:20 PM
Dr. Thurman D. Hollins presents "Becoming the Black Music Educator: Interpreting Identity, Race, and Professional Self."
Dr. Chad Hughes • Using Popular Culture to teach Form/Composition in Music | 2:20 PM
Dr. Chad Hughes presents “Using Popular Culture to Teach Form and Composition in Music.”
Arthur White and Alain Brown Chin • Community Engagement: Not a One Time Thing! | 3:45 PM
Arthur White and Alaina Brown Chin of the Detroit Opera present "Community Engagement: Not a One-Time Thing!"
Tidewater Area Musicians Night Concert | 7:30 PM
Featured performers include the acclaimed Sherman Greene Chorale, renowned trumpeter Duane Smith, the Virginia Tidewater Chapter of the Gospel Music Workshop of America, celebrated violist Beverly Baker, sopranos Lorraine Bell and Amber P. Garrett, the Boys Choir of Hampton Roads, and the vibrant sounds of the Mosaic Steel Orchestra.
Eastern Region Reception | 9:30 PM
Post-concert reception.
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
NANM National Elections | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
This is your opportunity to participate in the leadership and future direction of the organization. Members will elect their chosen delegates to help uphold the mission, vision, and continued growth of the National Association of Negro Musicians, Inc.
NANM Walk of Fame Exhibit | All-Day
Explore the NANM Walk of Fame Exhibit, a tribute to the extraordinary musicians, educators, composers, and arts leaders whose achievements have shaped the legacy and impact of Black music.
NANM StoryCorp
Share, preserve, and celebrate the stories that shape our musical heritage through the NANM StoryCorps, an oral history initiative capturing the memories, experiences, and legacy of NANM members and supporters for future generations.
Memorial Service
This service offers a moment of reflection and remembrance as we honor the lives, contributions, and lasting legacies of NANM members and supporters who have passed on. Through music, tribute, and fellowship, we celebrate those whose work and dedication continue to inspire future generations.
Regional Meetings | 9:00 AM
Connect with fellow NANM members from your region as leaders share updates, discuss initiatives, celebrate accomplishments, and engage in meaningful dialogue about the future of the organization.
William Warfield Masterclass with Robert Sims | 10:30 AM
NANM proudly welcomes acclaimed baritone Robert Sims as facilitator for the William Warfield Masterclass. Our Collegiate Young Artist participants will gain insight from one of today’s leading interpreters of the spiritual and American classical vocal tradition.
Dr. Damon Dandridge • Before the Canon: Eva Jessye and the Blueprint for a Movement | 11:20 AM
Dr. Damon Dandridge presents "Before the Canon: Eva Jessye and the Blueprint for a Movement."
Malcolm A. Stokes • Rhythm of the Road: Black Brass Music along the Northeast Corridor | 2:15 PM
Malcolm A. Stokes presents "Rhythm of the Road: Black Brass Music along the Northeast Corridor."
Pre-Gala Cocktail Reception | 6:00 PM
Enjoy an atmosphere of camaraderie and anticipation as we prepare for the convention's signature Gala Awards Banquet.
Gala Awards Banquet | 7:00 PM
Join us for an unforgettable night of fine dining, special presentations, and inspiring moments honoring the enduring legacy and future of Black music and artistry. This year's honorees are: Adolphus Hailstork, Dr. Andrea Warren, Geraldine Boone, Shirley Nottingham, Danielle Weems-Elliott, and Omar Dickenson. Tickets are $125 per person.
Wednesday, July 22, 2026
NANM Walk of Fame Exhibit | All-Day
Explore the NANM Walk of Fame Exhibit, a tribute to the extraordinary musicians, educators, composers, and arts leaders whose achievements have shaped the legacy and impact of Black music.
NANM StoryCorp
Share, preserve, and celebrate the stories that shape our musical heritage through the NANM StoryCorps, an oral history initiative capturing the memories, experiences, and legacy of NANM members and supporters for future generations.
Youth / Junior Division Concert | 9:00 AM
The Youth/Junior Division Concert celebrates the talent, dedication, and artistic growth of NANM’s emerging young musicians.
Closing Breakfast | 11:15 AM
The Closing Breakfast provides a final opportunity for fellowship, reflection, and celebration as convention attendees gather to conclude an inspiring week of music, learning, and connection.