In 2015, MAYS added Dr. Chung Park,[1] Director of Orchestras and String Music Education at the University of Central Florida, to the artistic staff as conductor of the Symphony.
Since 1984, May followed his dream of bringing a well-rounded music education to thousands of young students of the Central Florida community.
After his death in February 2010, the MAYS was formed under the executive direction of his daughter, Emily May, and artistic direction of his wife, Maureen May, a former music director at Millennium Middle School, strings teacher at Trinity Preparatory School, and cellist in the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and the Bach Festival, and close friend and colleague, Michael Miller, Director of Music Activities at The Geneva School, artistic director of the Central Florida Youth Orchestra, and former Associate Conductor of the Florida Young Artists Orchestra from 2000 to 2010.
The world premiere performance of the piece, Tall and Small, a commissioned work by Jonathan's brother, Daniel May, is named to reflect the wide impact May's passion for music had on children and adults alike.
[11][12][13] After the conclusion of its second season, the MAYS absorbed the Central Florida Youth Orchestra in Leesburg.