FYO Mourning the Loss of their Beloved Leader
Published: February 28, 2010Posted in: Uncategorized
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On Saturday, February 27, 2010, Jonathan May, Conductor, Teacher, Cellist, Friend, Father, Brother, and Husband suffered a massive stroke that took his life. Our thoughts and prayers are with the May family and all of Jonathan’s precious students.
So sorry about the loss of this wonderful man. He will truly be missed.
Jonathan was my son’s Tremaine’s first violin teacher when we moved to Palm Coast 10 years ago. He was the conductor of a very small group of string players known as Flagler Symphonic Youth Strings, an off-shout of the Flagler Symphonic Society. We were a hardy band of children and parents with little funding from the Society and parents. We met first in churches and later at FPC High School. When I needed a private teacher for my son, he introduced me to Armand Melnbardis, who still teaches my son. Jonathan saw potential in my son and invited him to participate in Orlando at the Florida Youth Orchestra which he founded and led for 11 years.
Jonathan continued with the various incarnations that the Flagler Symphonic Youth Strings went through to its present version today, a well-funded, well-attended entity. All involved should be very proud. Jonathan was active with, at various times, the All-State and All-County Orchestras for Florida and Volusia and Orange counties and the Daytona Beach youth orchestra that met on the campus of UCF/Daytona Beach. The man’s energy was legendary. No distance was too far for him to travel for children’s music. He was a great mentor to children. He even conducted the theme to “Star Wars” with a light saber. His death is a great loss to his family, his four children and every child he ever taught and now will never be able to teach. As his friend and former colleague (I was on the board of FSS and FYO) I will truly miss this wonderful man. I was glad to be able to call him my friend.
In our family, Mr. May, will always be cherished,appreciated and respected for all his has given of himself. He has made a difference in our lives with his love, joy and talent of stings instruments and music. And for all his love of children. Thank you Mr. May for being such a giving person, you will forever be in our hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with the May family.
He will be greatly missed and the tears we cry for him will take much time to dry. He was, is, and will always be the very best. 4 years of my life affected by an amazing man. We will play on in his memory
-Diana
My heart goes out to the family of Mr.May. Such a sudden and tragic death and loss of a great man. My daughter was especially sadden and struck with grief on returning to Flagler Youth Orchestra the first Monday when everyone was grieving the loss of their Founder. I pray for peace and happiness of the heart when you all recall the love,teaching and memories that take residence in your heart when you recall Mr May.
We are grateful, Mr. May, for the time and lessons
you’ve shared with our family. Your passion to perform
to higher standards has made us better musicians and
integrated citizens. We commit to continuing to excel as
we learn to “adjust” to your absence.
In our family, Mr. May, will always be cherished,appreciated and respected for all his has given of himself. He has made a difference in our lives with his love, joy and talent of stings instruments and music. And for all his love of children. Thank you Mr. May for being such a giving person, you will forever be in our hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with the May family.
My heart goes out to the family of Mr.May. Such a sudden and tragic death and loss of a great man. My daughter was especially sadden and struck with grief on returning to Flagler Youth Orchestra the first Monday when everyone was grieving the loss of their Founder. I pray for peace and happiness of the heart when you all recall the love,teaching and memories that take residence in your heart when you recall Mr May.