Educator, global volunteer, and professional
Nathan May sits down for an interview in the blue Adirondack chairs under the tree outside EMS, a place that holds a special place in his heart. With a twinkle in his eye, he points wistfully to the tree where he and his wife Melodie first began dating, recalling his time at EMS as a student with fondness and nostalgia.
Nathan attended EMS for only three years in 8th, 9th, and 12th grades, but its impact on his life was a lasting one. His family moved from Harrisonburg after his freshman year. However, the pull of the music program was too strong to resist, and he returned for his senior year, staying with family and friends to complete his education. He fondly describes his senior year as his “freshman year of college,” experiencing a new sense of independence and forming deep connections through music.
Music was a central part of Nathan’s life at EMS and it remains so. As a musician, he joined every ensemble he could, including the senior choir, touring choir, chamber choir, orchestra, and band classes. He also participated in a men’s quartet, singing in hallways with friends and anywhere they could find with good acoustics. The music program at EMS was unparalleled, and Nathan credits it with providing a powerful way for students to express themselves and feel understood.
Nathan’s time at EMS was marked by a sense of belonging and community. Despite the presence of cliques, the small student body fostered connections that transcended groups. He remains friends with people outside his original “group” to this day. While he played sports like baseball and basketball, Nathan was more likely to win a Sportsmanship Award than be a starter for each team, embodying the spirit of teamwork and camaraderie. Being with him, you can see how he exudes joy – he genuinely loves his people and places.
Influential teachers, like Jay Hartzler, played a significant role in Nathan’s development personally and musically. Hartzler pushed his students to better their own musicianship and connect with their music as an act of worship. Despite being a straight-B student who struggled with tests, Nathan’s passion for music and the support of his teachers helped him succeed.
After EMS, Nathan pursued a degree in music from Messiah College (now Messiah University) and taught choir and music for 18 years. He built strong music programs at Central and Spotswood High School. While teaching, Nathan began DJing weddings as “DJ Fit,” leveraging his music and public speaking skills. In 2023 Nathan resigned from teaching and began Audio Umbrella, LLC to help schools and churches with sound systems and continue to serve more clients as his company grew to four DJs in 2026. He also enjoys working with EMS to improve sound systems throughout the upper and lower campus!
Nathan’s career reflects his belief in the power of music and the importance of trust. He emphasizes that success is not about money or status but about leaving a lasting positive mark. As a parent and entrepreneur, he hopes EMS continues to support students, challenge them to grow, and prepare them for life beyond college.
For Nathan, the deepest sense of belonging comes from being with people he loves—family, friends, and musical peers. He hopes EMS will maintain its strong music program and offer experiences like internships to help students thrive. His advice to today’s students is simple: remember that whoever you are is enough. Build your confidence in who you are, trust yourself, and focus on the impact you can make on others.
