Trumpeter Michael Sachs Resigns from the Cleveland Institute of Music

Sachs has resigned as head of the trumpet department following an alleged “baseless attack” from the administration

For 35 years, Michael Sachs served as the Cleveland Institute of Music’s (CIM) head of the trumpet department and chair of the brass division. He is also principal trumpet of the Cleveland Orchestra.

His departure from the school follows the recent leave taken by CIM’s director of orchestral studies, Carlos Kalmar, on whom CIM launched a Title IX investigation following sexual harassment and discrimination allegations.

Sachs faces no accusations of Title IX violation and reports he is resigning his post of his own accord. According to a recent Facebook post, his decision comes as he received a notice from CIM’s HR department accusing him of making a statement he never made and allegedly implied a threat of legal action.

His post reads:

“By now, many of you may have heard that, as of yesterday, I resigned from my position as faculty member, head of the trumpet department, and chair of the brass division at The Cleveland Institute of Music.

“Since many things may be swirling around, I want to make several facts clear:

1) The decision to resign from CIM was entirely mine.

2) I was not fired or asked to leave.

3) There was absolutely no issue of any kind involving a Title IX violation or accusation.

“My resignation after 35 years of service to CIM was precipitated by an email that I received yesterday from HR and CIM’s lawyer. This email asserted that I had made a statement which I have never made. I must admit that when I first opened the email, I thought it was an error or a prank. I soon realized it was not. I inferred from the remainder of the email that they were threatening me with legal action.

“I am confident that my colleagues will confirm I have been a voice for moderation, cooperation, and team-playing in all matters concerning the faculty and administration.

“This incident was not the first baseless attack by members of CIM’s administration on my character, reputation, and integrity. Because I will not tolerate any further such attacks, I made the decision to resign from all positions that I held with the Cleveland Institute of Music, effective immediately. 

“As heart-wrenchingly difficult as it was, I had to conclude that I can no longer be a party to CIM’s institutional culture. I will miss my students more than words can say.”

As reported in Ideastream, CIM has stated it does not comment on personnel matters. 

The move comes just a day after CIM board chair Susan Rothmann released a letter to faculty and students saying “a public campaign designed to damage CIM is being waged by a small group of people who oppose the evolution of the institute.” 

The document also referenced Kalmar — who went on leave following a sit-in staged by CIM students and supporters, who circulated a petition calling for his resignation in September in protest of his Title IX case being dismissed.  

In response, the school stated that its administration was working with students “to create opportunities for discussion.” A scheduled September 26 performance at the school with Kalmar as conductor was also canceled. 

Rothmann’s letter also included a link to a “CIM Fact-Check” webpage listing misconceptions about its senior leadership.

“Recently, there has been a significant amount of misleading information circulating about CIM,” the webpage reads. “We are disappointed by this and, as it has begun to affect our students, it is necessary for us to respond to ensure that our many supporters have an accurate representation of the claims that have been made.”