Philip May conducts the Johnson Clarinet Choir at the 73rd Midwest Clinic in December 2019.
Philip May
Woodwind Specialist/Clarinet Instructor
Philip May came to Johnson in 2010, the school’s third year. Since then, he has taught clarinet lessons, master classes, worked for the bands as guest conductor and clinician, and founded and directs the clarinet choir. The clarinet choir has played on Fall and Spring concerts at Johnson, toured schools, won awards at TSSEC, and performed at the Midwest Clinic in Chicago in December 2019.
Mr. May is a graduate of Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music. He also has a doctorate degree from South Texas College of Law. He has previously worked as a lawyer and has taught in high schools as a math teacher and orchestra director.
Professionally, Philip played principal clarinet with the Galveston Symphony Orchestra for 10 seasons. He was a soloist on numerous concerts. He has also made solo appearances with the Houston Youth Symphony and Heart of Texas Concert Band.
In high school, he sat 1st chair in the Texas All-State Symphony Orchestra, principal clarinet of the Houston Youth Symphony, and 1st chair at the National Music Camp in Interlochen, Mich. Twice, he appeared with the Houston Symphony Orchestra.
During college, he played with the Shepherd Symphony Orchestra and the MOB (Rice’s Marching Owl Band).
He is honored to be a member of the Johnson band family.