Our community suffered a great loss on Feb. 27 when the conductor of our strings program, Jonathan May, passed away from a stroke. As artistic director of the Flagler Youth Orchestra, Jonathan instilled the idea of musical excellence and touched the lives of 250 students enrolled in the program this year — and many more who benefited from the program in the past five years. Jonathan also worked with hundreds of students in other orchestras across Central Florida.

String classes were held as scheduled at Indian Trails Middle School on March 1, enabling our orchestra families, students and staff to comfort each other and honor the memory and contributions of this dynamic musician and teacher. Classes will continue to be held as scheduled.

I would like to assure parents and students that the Flagler Youth Orchestra will carry on with a strong and dedicated staff. Succession plans are in place to ensure a smooth transition to a new artistic director in the weeks ahead, with an even stronger commitment to musical excellence in our strings program in the future.

Jonathan would be the first to remind us in these emotional times that the show, the orchestra, the music and the joy of learning must go on. So make sure you attend those string classes! And join me on Monday, March 15, at 7 p.m. at the Flagler Auditorium when the Flagler Youth Orchestra will celebrate and honor Jonathan May’s memory in the orchestra’s second concert of the season. Additional information can be found at www.flagleryouthorchestra.org.

Educationally Yours,

Bill Delbrugge
Superintendent, Flagler County Public Schools