The Detroit MYS Conductors

Detroit Metropolitan Youth Symphony hires amazing Conductors to mentor, teach and direct students in grades 2-13, in our four orchestras. Our Conductors are highly qualified musicians chosen for their expertise in working with young musicians. 

jeremy duby
CONDUCTOR, SYMPHONY Orchestra

Jeremy Duby is a conductor, educator, and arts advocate dedicated to fostering vibrant musical communities. He serves as Music Director of the Warren Concert Band, becoming only the third director in the ensemble’s 55-year history, and Conductor of the Symphony Orchestra of the Detroit Metropolitan Youth Symphony (DMYS). He is also a music education specialist with A & G Central Music, and serves as the president of the Michigan Music Education Association (MMEA). Mr. Duby earned a Master of Music degree in wind conducting from Oakland University and a Bachelor of Music in music education from Wayne State University.

He began his teaching career in Michigan public schools before joining the music department at The University of Olivet. Over more than two decades in music education, ensembles under his direction have performed by invitation at Carnegie Hall, as well as the New Year’s Day parades in London, Paris, and Rome, with concert appearances at notable venues including the American Cathedral in Paris and Cadogan Hall in London.

An active adjudicator, guest conductor, and clinician, Mr. Duby regularly collaborates with ensembles and festivals throughout Michigan. He is a multiple recipient of the Donald A. Morris Award from The University of Olivet and has received a proclamation from Macomb County for his contributions to students and the arts. Mr. Duby remains deeply committed to music education and community ensembles, believing they create lifelong opportunities for individuals to share in the joy and power of music.

jOE lEWIN-zIEGLER
CONDUCTOR, CONCERT ORCHESTRA

Joseph Lewin-Ziegler is the Orchestra and Choir Director at the International Academy (IA) in Bloomfield Hills. He has been the Concert Orchestra Director for DMYS since the 2024/2025 season. Mr. Lewin-Ziegler attended VanderCook College of Music in Chicago, Illinois, where he received a Bachelor of Music Education in 2010, focusing on orchestral conducting and viola performance. In 2021, he received his Master of Music in Music Education from the University of Michigan. He has presented at the American String Teachers Association National Conference and at the Michigan Music Conference. He has worked as a guest clinician and has adjudicated State Solo and Ensemble in Alaska. Mr. Lewin-Ziegler has studied viola with Reed Anderson, Csaba Erdélyi, and Dr. Michael Hall. He also studied conducting with David Eccles. He is a board member of the Orchard Lake Philharmonic (OLP). As a member of OLP, he has conducted the ensemble and is a member of the viola section.

Before moving to Michigan with his wife, Abby, Mr. Lewin-Ziegler taught general music, choir, and orchestra in Chicago and Toledo.  In 2016, he taught general music, orchestra, and choir for the Pontiac School District before accepting his current position at the IA.  Mr. Lewin-Ziegler and his wife have two amazing daughters, Nora and Ruth. In his free time, Mr. Lewin-Ziegler enjoys reading, photography, and composing.

GEOFFREY BENES
CONDUCTOR, STRING Orchestra

Geoffrey Benes has been a conductor with DMYS since 2009, leading the Concert Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra, and currently serving as conductor of the String Orchestra.

Mr. Benes concluded a distinguished 31-year career in orchestral education with the Troy School District in 2019, having instructed students at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. He is presently involved in stringed instrument repair and setup at Wilson Fine Violins in Birmingham, and also crafts violins and violas in his workshop located in Royal Oak. In addition to his professional pursuits, Mr. Benes enjoys spending leisure time with his wife, Kristen, on their pontoon, visiting their property near Traverse City, and reading historical fiction. As a performer, he collaborates with fellow musicians and participates in various engagements as his schedule permits.

Madeline damschroder
CONDUCTOR, Sinfonia StrinG Orchestra

Madeline Damschroder spent the 2025-2026 school year as an Assistant Choir Director and Assistant Orchestra Director at Toledo Public Schools. Madeline has conducted a myriad of ensembles, including: the University of Findlay Orchestra, Toledo Symphony School of Music Summer Strings Advance Ensemble, University of New Mexico Symphony, and the University of Toledo Summer Strings.

Madeline is a dedicated educator with experience teaching 4th-grade through 12th-grade orchestra, private string instruments, and collegiate courses. Madeline holds her Bachelor’s in Instrumental Music Education (University of Toledo) and Master of Music (University of New Mexico). She has spent three years at the GMU Conducting Symposium with Dr. Soo Han, Capt. Darren Lin, and Anthony Maiello, and will soon be at the Saratoga Orchestra Conducting Symposium with Diane Whittry and Anna Edwards. 

Madeline was fortunate to have spent the last year and a half as bass mentor for DMYS and spent the fall 2025 concert cycle conducting Sinfonia. The fantastic and dedicated faculty, staff, parents, and volunteers make DMYS a supportive environment. Meeting all the wonderful and talented kids has only made her more excited to join the team!