Meet the DMYS Mentors and sectional leaders
Generous support from the Leven Foundation funds mentors and sectional leaders in all four orchestras. Mentors guide students, playing with them each week and coaching them one-on-one and in smaller sections.
Mahki Murray (Violin)
Mahki Murray is a violinist residing in the metro Detroit area. Mahki holds a bachelor’s degree in violin performance and music education from Oakland University, and is the recent recipient of the Matilda Distinguished Musicianship Award (2024). As a performer, Mahki is an active freelance musician and has worked with many artists throughout his musical career including Grammy-awarded artist T-Pain. Mahki plays for many orchestras around Michigan, including: Oakland Symphony, Macomb Symphony, Warren Symphony, and the Urban Arts Orchestra. He is founder and current member of the Boba String Quartet. Through his musicianship, Mahki advocates the idea that music is a universal language and that music is what brings all of us together. Mahki strives to create new experiences for students whenever he can, and loves working with the talented DMYS musicians.
Nicholas Callcut (Cello)
Nick Callcut is a cellist pursuing an undergraduate performance degree with a minor in music theory from Oakland University. He is the principal cellist of the Oakland University Chamber Orchestra, a member of both the Rochester and Oakland Symphony Orchestras, an active chamber musician, and is regularly hired for special events. Nick teaches cello privately both independently and at the Rochester Conservatory of Music, and has worked as a cello clinician at N. Farmington HS. He is excited to share his love for orchestral music with DMYS!
Eric Scott (Violin, Viola)
Eric Scott is a recent graduate of Wayne State University with a BA in Music. He's been playing classical violin for more than 16 years and is very passionate about passing on his love for music to younger generations. Eric currently plays with the Detroit Medical Orchestra, works at Wilson Fine Violins as a private violin and viola instructor, and enjoys composing music in his free time.
Michael Montesi (Clarinet)
Michael Montesi is an accomplished clarinet performer and instructor. He is currently studying instrumental music education at Eastern Michigan University. Michael is the principal clarinetist of both the EMU Symphony Orchestra and Wind Symphony. He has worked with many artists throughout his time playing clarinet. Most notably, he collaborated with composer Amanda Harberg to create an educational music presentation for EMU's Undergraduate Symposium. He is very excited to get to share his knowledge and love of music with the students of DMYS!
jessica cates (trombone, general brass)
Jessica Cates is an active freelancing trombone player and low brass teacher. During the past two decades and spanning over 5 states, she has held principal trombone positions in several regional orchestras, has worked with the Boston Philharmonic, and performed with Josh Groban. Currently, she is a private lesson teacher on trumpet, french horn, trombone, euphonium, and tuba. Jessica often freelances with several theatres including but not limited to: Stagecrafters, Nicely Theatre, Avon Players, and Dearborn Players Guild. Jessica has bachelor’s degrees from Central Michigan University in Trombone Performance and Psychology, a Masters in trombone performance from The University of Massachusetts-Amherst, and a DMA from Rutgers University in New Jersey (ABD).
Milan Puscas (Cello, general String)
Milan Puscas graduated from Oakland University with Bachelors Degrees in Music Education and Cello Performance. She is a former middle school orchestra teacher and is currently pursuing a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She still enjoys having opportunities to work with orchestra students as a sectional coach or guest conductor and maintains a small private studio of cello students.
benjamin Penzner (Viola)
Benjamin Penzner was a Viola Performance major at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor studying with Yizhak Schotten and Caroline Coade during his stay at the School of Music Theater and Dance. In 2022 he won 2nd place in the Lima Symphony Young Artist Competition, as well as the UMICH Concerto competition in 2019. He is currently Principal violist at the Lansing Symphony Orchestra.
