Cleveland’s sacked violist has his say

Mark Jackobs of the Cleveland Orchestra has responded in dignified fashion to his peremptory dismissal by the turbulent Cleveland Institute of Music. Here’s what he writes:

Since Wednesday I have been deluged with messages ranging from concern to outrage and I would like to answer questions, dispel rumours and share my feelings about the situation.
For those who have not heard, I am no longer with the Cleveland Institute of Music.
The following are answers to questions that have been raised:
– No. There was no reason given for my separation.
– No. There was no Title IX accusation, violation or
investigation. Never has been in my entire career, never will be.
– No. There was no accusation of illegal or unethical behavior on
my part. Again, never has been, never will be.
– No. This was not done face-to-face. On Wednesday March 13, I
was met at my home by a courier who delivered a “separation
agreement”.
– No. I am not able to finish the semester. This is particularly
hurtful as it leaves my current students abandoned
mid-semester, mid-recital season and mid-orchestral audition
season. If the administration’s goal was to hurt me, fine.
However, to hurt my students like this when they need me the
most is an unforgivable act by CIM administration.
I have faithfully served CIM for 31 years. During that time I have taught 63 students of which 57 are now either professional musicians (50), or are currently in music school (7). My record of success, teaching and mentoring young musicians, speaks for itself and it has been my honor and privilege to have been their teacher.
Serving 2 years as Faculty Senate Chair and otherwise being an active advocate for the students and faculty, naturally there were disagreements with the administration. What I felt was right and fair for students and faculty often was in conflict with cost cutting measures that the administration felt were necessary. I voiced my concerns for the Institute and that resulted in several occasions where I was accused by human resources of disparaging the school. The recent 91% vote of no confidence in CIM’s current president by current faculty would indicate that I was not the only faculty member with serious concerns. Without any official reason given, I can only imagine that my separation has to do with me voicing my opinion when I believed that either the students or faculty would be hurt by various actions taken by the administration.
I have also been with the Cleveland Orchestra for 31 years. The relationship between the number one orchestra in the world and CIM historically has been very strong and a clear draw for prospective students. Unfortunately over the last 8 years we have seen this relationship decline. Instead of an increase in partnership and collaboration between CIM and the Orchestra, many of us have been disrespected and dismissed by the current administration and 4 Orchestra members are no longer at CIM. This is heartbreaking; as the key differentiator for CIM has been the previously strong relationship with the Orchestra.
My heart breaks for my students who have been left hanging and for their parents who, having spent significant amounts of money, are seeing that they are not getting what they had hoped from CIM.
All of my students know this, but those who would like to reach out for pre-recital or pre-audition lessons, I will make myself available.
I am sorry that CIM did this to you and I am sorry that they did this to me but I know that none of us will let our success in the field that we love be hampered by what has happened.