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Miami is one of the most musically influential cities in the world. From Latin pop and hip-hop to jazz and electronic music, its sound has traveled globally. Yet unlike cities such as New York or San Francisco, Miami does not have a formally adopted anthem.<\/p>\n
The Frost School of Music is working with an independent, community-driven cultural initiative to create one, collaborating with non-profits\u00a0<\/span>Elevate Miami<\/a>\u00a0<\/span>and\u00a0<\/span>Guitars Over Guns<\/a>\u00a0<\/span>to launch\u00a0<\/span>Elevated Tracks 305<\/a>. The global open call invites creators anywhere in the world with a meaningful connection to Miami to compose an original, contemporary anthem that captures the city\u2019s rhythm, complexity, resilience, and cultural influence.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Frost School of Music has had a profound impact on the arts, music, and cultural scene in Miami since we opened our doors nearly 100 years ago,\u201d said Dean Shelton G. \u201cShelly\u201d Berg. \u201cIn that time, our institution has cultivated and supported talented songwriters whose music has etched itself into people\u2019s hearts and minds. Our esteemed faculty and renowned alumni are proud to lend their expertise to select songs by a new generation of Miamians, identifying fresh musical anthems that will capture the spirit of the city today and for generations to come.\u201d<\/p>\n The initiative is supported by iconic global artists and industry leaders with Miami roots and Frost School connections. They include alumnus\u00a0<\/span>Jon Secada<\/a>, a Latin GRAMMY and GRAMMY-winning singer-songwriter; fellow alumnus\u00a0<\/span>Danny Flores<\/a>, a Latin GRAMMY and GRAMMY-winning producer and songwriter; as well as GRAMMY-winning songwriters and producers Rico Love and Rudy Perez. The jury includes Frost School alumni Julio Bagu\u00e9, vice president of the Latin Division East Coast and Puerto Rico at peermusic, and Chad Bernstein, founder and CEO of Guitars Over Guns; as well as Frost School faculty members.<\/p>\n Submissions for\u00a0<\/span>Elevate Tracks 305<\/a>\u00a0<\/span>open March 4, 2026, and close March 30, 2026.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>The competition is open to all genres, including Latin, pop, hip-hop, R&B, jazz, fusion, and beyond, and will award a total of six winners, three adults and three youth. In each category, first place will receive $10,000, second place $2,500, and third place $1,000. All winners will also receive citywide and national amplification through media, live performances, and digital platforms in 2026.<\/p>\n \u201cGuitars Over Guns has helped young artists find their voice and tell their stories for nearly 20 years,\u201d said\u00a0<\/span>Bernstein<\/a>, a Frost School\u00a0<\/span>Centennial Medalist\u00a0<\/span><\/a>who earned bachelor\u2019s, master\u2019s, and doctoral degrees at the school. \u201cThis initiative honors those voices alongside established creators and industry leaders. It reflects Miami\u2019s full creative ecosystem – intergenerational, diverse, and fearless.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Philanthropist\u00a0<\/span>Joe Deitch<\/a>, founder of the Miami-based\u00a0<\/span>Elevate Prize Foundation<\/a>, as well as\u00a0<\/span>Elevate Cities<\/a>\u00a0<\/span>and Elevate Miami, described the project as emblematic of Elevate\u2019s broader mission.<\/p>\n \u201cElevate Miami is designed to spark bold, joy-filled moments that strengthen belonging, connection, and civic pride at scale,\u201d said Deitch. \u201cElevated Tracks 305 is more than a contest. It is an invitation for creators to help define how this city presents itself to the world for the next generation.\u201d<\/p>\n By aligning Guitars Over Guns\u2019 deep community impact with Elevate Miami\u2019s ambition to reimagine civic engagement, and with the prestige and expertise of the Frost School of Music, Elevated Tracks 305 sets a new standard for how arts institutions and civic platforms can collaborate to create enduring cultural artifacts.<\/p>\n