Hunter Mays is a mult-facited percussionist and energetic educator whose career spans a broad range of musical settings, including chamber music, orchestral performance, solo percussion, and the marching arts.

Hunter is pursuing his Master of Music in Percussion Performance at Boise State University with Dr. Kramer Milan where he serves as a Graduate Teaching Assistant with the Bronco Marching Band. Hunter earned his Bachelor of Music in Percussion Performance from Wright State University in 2025 where he studied with Mr. Jerry Noble.

As a timpanist and percussionist, he has performed with the Augusta Symphony (GA), Miami Valley Symphony (OH), Ohio Valley British Brass Band, the 2025 Varna International Music Academy Musika! Festival (SC), and has regularly freelanced alongside members of the USAF Band of Flight and the Dayton Philharmonic.

Hunter’s marching arts experience includes aging out as center marimba and ensemble leader with Cap City Percussion (2017–2023), and performing with the Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps in 2022. As an educator, he is on staff with the Madison Scouts, and has previously served as Front Ensemble Coordinator for Cap City Percussion (2023 PIO Bronze Medalist) and Kettering Fairmont High School (2023 PSO Bronze Medalist).

Featured performances include soloist for the summer concert series with the Ohio Military Band in Cincinnati, performance at the Midwest Clinic in Chicago, Soloist/Winner of the Wright State Concerto Competition, and a performance with Ye West for his Sunday Service tour in Dayton, OH in 2019. 

A passionate and active chamber musician, Hunter has premiered new works, toured educational concerts, and performed alongside artists including Michael Burritt. He is also active as a chamber coach and mentor.

He proudly endorses Pearl/Adams, Innovative Percussion, Remo, and Zildjian.