Rising orchestral winds & Brass academy
Middle school winds, Brass, & percussion -
Improve skills and Learn to play orchestrally
The DMYS Winds and Brass Academy aims to develop orchestral playing skills in the advancing middle school musician.
Participating musicians can expect to work with DMYS Guest Conductor Kevin Scollin (Farmington Public Schools) to:
Improve breathing, tone quality and style
Improve proficiency – work toward being ready to audition into DMYS Concert Orchestra (grades 8-12, with exceptions for advanced 7th graders)
Listen to and play along with DMYS Concert Orchestra
Perform in a full orchestra with the DMYS String Orchestra in the spring performance (students demonstrating proficiency at the half-way point will be notified of eligibility)
Winds & Brass Academy eligibility
Students in grades 6-8 who are in their school band program
Students must be recommended by a school director or private lesson teacher via form coming soon
Ideal candidate is a student who is interested in further developing a love for orchestral music alongside other focused musicians. They are motivated, driven, and capable of working toward the highest musical standards possible. They are responsive to feedback and excited to collaborate with fellow musicians to adapt, learn, and grow in their skills and musicianship. 2 years of playing recommended.
Students should be comfortable with the following scales at the “Suggested proficiency” level to participate. We recognize that not all students have learned minor scales and this will not be a barrier to participation.
KEY Spring 2026 Deadlines:
1/13/26: Educator nomination deadline
1/28/26: Student enrollment (Select Orchestral Winds/Brass Academy)
2/7/26: First clinic
Students: have you been nominated and have an invitation to participate from DMYS?
Enroll & Pay $150 tuition here now!
Kevin Scollin, DMYS Guest Academy Director
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2/7, 10:30-12 (plus 10:30 parent meeting)
2/21, 10:30-12
2/28, 9:30-12 (incl. open house rehearsal with Concert Orchestra)
3/7, 10:30-12
3/14, 10:30-12 (Seating & proficiency checks to determine which students will be invited to perform)
3/21, 10:30-12
4/11, 10:30-12
4/18, 10:15-12 (incl. orchestra wide free snack day and activity) (NOTE - students participating in MSBOA solo & ensemble this day must request an afternoon time!)
4/25, clinic is TBD, decision by March
DMYS allows no more than 3 absences in a cycle
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Students demonstrating proficiency at the half-way point will be invited to perform one full orchestra piece with DMYS String Orchestra in the spring performance at the Hawk.
5/2, 9:45-11:45 - TECH rehearsal (Mandatory)
5/3, 3:45pm - PERFORMANCE
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Ready to audition for concert orchestra? Review full requirements in the Audition Packet with Requirements by Orchestra.
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Kevin Scollin received his Master of Music Education degree with a cognate in Wind Conducting from Eastern Michigan University, and his Bachelor of Music Education and Bachelor of Music Performance degrees from Michigan State University.
Mr. Scollin joined Farmington Public Schools in August 2017, where he currently teaches grades 6-8 band at Power Middle School and serves as the Middle School Music Instructional Leader. Under his direction, the program at Power has grown steadily and offered numerous performance and travel opportunities for students. In addition to his career as a music teacher, Mr. Scollin is also active as a freelance musician, a published arranger, and a guest clinician. He has performed with the Southeastern Michigan Wind Ensemble, the Five Lakes Silver Band, the Oakland University Brass Band, the Motor City Brass Band, the Capital City Brass Band, and at numerous churches and community theater organizations in the Metro Detroit area.
Kevin Scollin believes the purpose of music education in public schools is to foster creative expression through performance, composition, and critical listening of music in a variety of contexts. Additionally, through collaboration in the music-making process, students have the opportunity to see and hear from different perspectives, engage in imaginative, out-of-the-box thinking, and broaden their perceptions of the world around them. Music education programs should strive to connect students’ musical studies with their everyday lives in a meaningful way, cultivating comprehensive musicianship, and creating an enduring community of lifelong music learners.
