Conducting a Symphony of Joy

Maria A. Ellis uses her gifts to be On Fire For Good.

“The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” -David Viscot

In our busy lives, we often overlook the gifts we possess, assuming they’re too ordinary to share. Many times, however, these gifts are the very essence of what we’re meant to give to the world.

For me, it was in embracing my story that my life felt transformed and my purpose revealed. For Maria A. Ellis, it was her passion for music that not only changed her life but the lives of countless others. Let me explain.

Growing up, Maria was surrounded by music.

Her dad sang in a group and her mother lead the church choir. By the age of five, she had already taught herself the different parts of choral arrangements and could recognize when individual singers were hitting the wrong note. These were skills she assumed everyone had, not yet realizing how unique her gift truly was.

By age 12, she advanced from directing an imaginary choir in her bedroom mirror to directing her first choir at church.

Though she had few examples of women of color to aspire to and others were unable to prepare her for a career in conducting, as she grew older, Maria felt anointed for the work, gifted with a talent and unwilling to waste it.

After studying business and a stint in the corporate world, Maria took the leap and applied to a university music program, where she was rejected because she lacked the formal training of the other applicants. Heartbroken but undeterred, she spent the summer honing her skills, applied again, and was accepted.

At university, Maria found herself surrounded by classmates who were far younger, far more trained and seemingly far more skilled. But instead of being intimidated, she seized every opportunity to learn, attending office hours, sitting in on every band and choir rehearsal at her church and growing in confidence and capability.

Her tenacity and dedication paid off.

Today, Maria is not only married and a mom of three, but she’s also a successful music educator. She’s the owner of Girl Conductor, she hosts two radio shows celebrating music in all forms, and she holds significant titles and leadership roles within regional and national music organizations.

So, what does a woman with so many accomplishments choose to do with her limited free time?

Maria chooses to conduct the Sheldon All-Star Chorus, a rigorous choral program for students from underserved schools- completely free of charge. It is here she lives her dream of being a professional conductor, inspiring students to recognize their own gifts, and opening doors they never even knew existed—including the doors of Carnegie Hall where the All-Star Chorus performed in 2023.

More importantly, Maria exudes joy both on stage and in life. Her energy is contagious, her conducting animated, and her personal style light up every room she’s in. That gratitude, that joy and that impact is why Maria A. Ellis is this month’s On Fire for Good honoree.

While it is true that not all of us can carry a tune, let alone conduct a choir, we all possess unique gifts and are called to fulfill a purpose. In other words, we all have the ability to follow Maria’s example.

Like Maria, our job is to discover our gifts, nurture them and then use them to improve the lives of others.

Along the way, we may occasionally encounter rejection and ridicule, but in the mere act of sharing our true selves with others, we experience the fullness of life.

Today is your day. Live Inspired.

P.S. Learn more about Maria’s story and hear directly from her about her work as a conductor and music educator during our next Live Inspired Together Call on Monday, October 7, at 4:00 p.m. Central. Register here!

Each month we celebrate individuals who are grateful for all they have, joyful in all they do, and positively change the world one life at a time. In other words, individuals who were On Fire For Good! If you know someone you’d like to recognize, nominate them today!