Alumni Stories: Nathan May ’01

We celebrate alumni stories to hear each others’ journeys since high school and to be inspired  through lives of service, professional contributions, embodiment of the love of Jesus, and community engagement. Nominations are accepted in the spring of each year and reviewed by the selection committee of the EMS Alumni Board. The EMS learning community and alumni celebrate the stories over fall Homecoming. Learn more. 

Abigail Cook, Communications Specialist recently sat down with Nathan May ’01 for an interview in view of the celebration of his journey since high school. Look for a longer version of this article in the fall issue of TODAY magazine. 

 

Q: How long and what years did you attend EMS? 

A: I started attending in eighth grade. My family moved when I was going into my sophomore year, but I chose to come back my senior year, staying with family and then a friend for half the year each to finish. I spent three years total at EMS—eighth and ninth grade, then senior year. I graduated in 2001, so my timeline was roughly 1997–1999 and then 2000–2001.

 

Q: Why did you choose to return for your senior year? 

A: I missed the music program. I couldn’t create or replicate the relationships that felt the same at my other school, and the music at EMS was unparalleled. I called my senior year my “freshman year of college” because I stayed with other people like a dorm setup, had a cell phone, and felt a new sense of independence. Also, my sister came the year before me and raved about the choirs. I listened to touring choir CDs and songs like Matt Huntsberger’s Benediction and knew I wanted to be part of that.

 

Q: What music and activities were you involved in? 

A: I was a percussionist and joined every choir I could. EMS had senior choir, touring choir, and chamber choir. There was no jazz ensemble then, and annual school musicals had not begun yet—only the senior play. I joined a men’s quartet with fellow friend Joel Ross and others. We enjoyed singing in hallways and anywhere with good acoustics.

 

Q: What was life like at EMS during your time? 

A: It felt like everyone had a place. There were cliques but not enough students to truly divide. We learned to cope and connect with each other, and I’m still friends with classmates that I graduated with but didn’t necessarily spend lots of time with while at EMHS. A bond was created that transcended those friend groups. 

 

Q: Did you play sports? 

A: Yes, though I was more likely to win a Sportsmanship Award than be a starter. I played baseball, basketball and was most likely to make a sport out of singing. I was a great team player and enjoyed playing on a team with other classmates.

 

Q: Who were your influential teachers? 

A: My choir director, Jay Hartzler. He pushed us to better our own musicianship and connect our music as an act of worship. I took guitar and advanced music, which helped me place out of a level of theory in college.

 

Q: What challenges did you face as a student? 

A: I was a straight-B student, not a natural test taker. I learned well but struggled to relay that on tests. Teachers were supportive and never let me fall behind. I have a big voice, but I also learned to read the teachers, and matured. My teachers knew how passionate I was about music, and EMS certainly fostered a climate of support in music as something students could excel in and focus on.

 

Q: What role did music play in your life and in the Mennonite community? 

A: Music encapsulates big ideas and emotions in a way speech often can’t. It’s both personal and communal. At EMS, participating in music gave students a powerful way to express themselves and feel understood. In the Mennonite community, music is a tool for worship and a cornerstone of shared life.

 

Q: How did your career develop after EMS? 

A: I earned a degree in music and taught high school choir for 17 years at Central and Spotswood High Schools. I enjoyed building strong music programs with a strong sense of welcome and belonging for each student. While teaching I began DJing weddings as “DJ Fit,” leveraging my music and public speaking skills. Eventually I resigned from teaching and began Audio Umbrella, LLC to help schools and churches with sound systems and continue to serve more clients as my company grew to 4 DJs this year. I have enjoyed working with EMS to improve sound systems throughout the upper and lower campus!

 

Q: Why did you become a wedding DJ and MC? 

A: I realized I could combine my love of music, performance, and service. Weddings are joyful and fulfilling, and the impact is lasting. Couples trust me to guide their day, much like students trusted me to support their music making.

 

Q: You’ve talked about being trustworthy a lot. What does trust mean to you as an entrepreneur? 

A: Trust is very important to me. I was brought up to leave things better than you found them. Working with people you trust also looks like being a patient companion, not a dictator. That comes from my family values and my father’s work as a pastor serving a variety of churches throughout his career.

 

Q: Having been a teacher, and now a parent – What do you think success and impact look like for our students?

A: Students should know who they are, what they value, and how they want to impact others. Success isn’t about money or status but about leaving a lasting positive impact on those you meet. I think EMS does this well and helped to model this as well.

 

Q: Where do you feel the deepest sense of belonging? 

A: When I’m with people I love—family, friends, and musical peers. Making music with others or sharing life together gives me that sense of belonging and fullness.

 

Q: What are your hopes for EMS moving forward? 

A: I hope EMS continues to support students where they are, challenge them to grow, and stay ahead in preparing them for life—not just college. Accepting all walks of life, keeping music strong, and offering experiences like internships to help students thrive.

 

Q: Any advice for today’s students? 

A: Remember that whoever you are is enough. Build confidence in who you are, trust yourself, and focus on the impact you can make on others.

 Thank you, Nathan! 

We look forward to hosting her this fall during Homecoming!

Register now for Homecoming 2026: October 16 and 17.