Ariel May is a dynamic conductor, singer, and educator whose passion shines through her work. A California native, she earned a B.M. in Music Education from the Hall-Musco Conservatory at Chapman University and M.A. in Teaching Music from UC Irvine. Ariel taught classical voice and choral music at Fullerton College, voice and piano at the Young Americans College of Performing Arts, and was the Director of Vocal Music at Canyon High School. Under her baton, choirs have received unanimous superior ratings at festivals nationwide and performed in NYC’s Carnegie Hall. Ariel is in demand as an adjudicator and clinician, celebrated for her meticulous detail, expressive conducting, and ability to inspire deep connections with music. A versatile singer, she has recorded jazz albums and performed with numerous professional choirs, including Pacific Chorale, Meistersingers, and Orange County Women’s Chorus. A champion of equitable teaching, Ariel developed a music program for adults with intellectual disabilities in Santa Ana, CA, and was featured on NPR for her inclusive teaching practices. Outside of music, Ariel enjoys hiking, gardening, and baking with her family.