Make Music. Make Memories.
Metropolitan Area Youth Symphony (MAYS) was founded in 2010 in honor of conductor, cellist, and music educator Jonathan May.
For more than three decades, Jonathan dedicated his life to sharing music with young people throughout Central Florida. As a conductor, cellist, educator, husband, father, and mentor, he believed that music education should be accessible, inspiring, and transformative. Through youth orchestras, school programs, private instruction, and mentorship, he helped shape the lives of thousands of students and families.
Following Jonathan’s passing in February 2010, MAYS was founded by his wife, Maureen May, daughter Emily Costa, and longtime friend and colleague Michael Miller to continue the educational vision and values that guided his life’s work.
As Jonathan’s family, music was woven into every aspect of our lives. We grew up attending rehearsals, performing in youth orchestras, learning from professional musicians, and experiencing firsthand the impact that music education can have on young people. What began as an effort to honor Jonathan’s legacy soon became a mission to continue the work he loved. Over time, MAYS became a true family effort, with Jonathan and Maureen’s sons, Elliot and Nathan May, joining the leadership of the organization as it continued to grow and evolve.
From its earliest days, MAYS sought to provide students with meaningful musical experiences while fostering confidence, discipline, creativity, leadership, and community. What began as a tribute to one educator’s legacy quickly grew into a thriving music education organization serving students throughout Central Florida.
Over the years, MAYS expanded to include youth orchestras, classroom string programs, summer camps, workshops, educational enrichment opportunities, and community performances. At its peak, MAYS served more than 300 students annually across multiple Central Florida counties.
In addition to its ensemble programs, MAYS developed school-based string instruction through partnerships with local schools, bringing music education directly into classrooms and expanding access to students who may not otherwise have had the opportunity to participate in orchestra programs.
In 2013, the Jonathan May Foundation was established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to further support music education opportunities and continue Jonathan’s commitment to serving students and families through the arts.
Today, MAYS continues its mission through music instruction, educational enrichment programs, summer camps, special events, and performance opportunities. While programs have evolved over time, the organization’s purpose remains the same: to provide meaningful musical experiences that help students grow both as musicians and as individuals.
More than a decade after its founding, MAYS remains committed to the educational values that inspired its creation—excellence, inclusion, mentorship, community, and a lifelong love of music.
We invite you to join us as we continue to make music and make memories.
Timeline
2010
Metropolitan Area Youth Symphony founded
Jonathan May Day established
First season launched
2011
Collaboration with Orlando Philharmonic
Students perform alongside professional musicians
First Jonathan May Day season finale concert
2012–2013
Expansion of school-based string programs (MAYS At Your School), including MAYS in Lake County and Orlando
Formation of The Jonathan May Foundation
2014–2022
Continued growth throughout Central Florida
Created online program to accommodate COVID restrictions
Orchestra programs, camps, workshops, and educational outreach
More than 300 students annually at peak enrollment
2023–Present
Summer camps
Educational enrichment programs
Special events
Private instruction