The Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM) has taken steps to address the void left by the departure of Michael Sachs, the former head of brass who resigned two months ago. The institute, facing challenges, has announced a lineup of accomplished trumpet instructors to fill this crucial role.
New Faculty Appointments:
Leading the trumpet teaching department is the seasoned Michael Miller, a figure well-established in the realm of music education. Joining him are notable musicians Billy Hunter from the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Matthew Ernst from the Milwaukee Symphony, and Master Sergeant Amy McCabe from the US Marine Band.
Duration and Semester Plan:
Despite the commendable additions to the faculty, it’s noted that collectively, they will be present at CIM for a total of five weeks during the upcoming Spring semester. This limitation raises questions about the extent of their influence in compensating for the absence of Michael Sachs.
Challenges and the Departure of Michael Sachs:
The announcement follows the departure of Michael Sachs, who left his position in the brass department two months ago, citing dissatisfaction. The institute is grappling with challenges, and Sachs’ resignation left a void that the new appointments aim to fill.
Implications and Realities:
While the new appointments bring a wealth of experience and talent to CIM, the brevity of their presence during the semester raises concerns about the institute’s ability to fully substitute for Michael Sachs. The announcement suggests a concerted effort to maintain the standard of trumpet instruction despite the challenges faced by CIM.
As the new faculty takes charge, the CIM community and the wider music education sphere will be watching closely to gauge the impact of these changes and assess how effectively the institute navigates this transitional period.
