Conversations with Michael Sattler

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Sattler.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I graduated from the Colorado School of Mines with an engineering degree and entered my first career as an Environmental, Health, and Safety Manager. I worked in the public and private sector in this field for 30+ years when I started singing with the Denver Gay Men’s Chorus (DGMC). I soon found myself in various leadership positions – from Chorus Council President to Board Chair and the Rocky Mountain Arts Association (RMAA) Executive Director. My passion for our mission – “building community through music,” helped me transition to the nonprofit industry and this role.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has been a relatively smooth road to the Executive Director position. Still, there were some difficult moments, especially since I had no previous experience in the nonprofit sector nor with the responsibilities of an Executive Director. I had a wonderful board member who worked with me at the beginning writing grants, and since I have written six grant applications, of which five we received funding! I also found that networking with other arts nonprofits and professional groups, such as the Colorado Business Committee for the Arts (CBCA) and the Scientific and Cultural Facility District (SCFD) staff helped tremendously.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Our artistic staff’s determination and commitment to entertain, inspire, educate, and empower singers and audiences keep me thriving. For example, My Body, My Voice, the Denver Women’s Chorus season-opening concert, took shape after the Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade earlier this year. Performing songs of protest, bravery, and resilience, DWC raises its voices in support of bodily autonomy and reproductive rights.

In December, the Denver Gay Men’s Chorus takes to the stage for Haul Out the Jolly, a kaleidoscope of classics, traditional, and pop favorites in DGMC’s annual holiday show. From January through June, we have five other concert series, including DWC’s P.S. I Love You, celebrating the lives and legacy of jazz greats and Earth Songs, which will heighten awareness of climate change. DGMC is among the first Choruses to perform Disney Pride, a musical celebration of LGBTQ life, love, family, and perseverance. Divas: Icons and Justice Warriors will pay tribute to artists who helped teach the gay community how to find their true selves.

I encourage readers to visit denverchoruses.org for more information!

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
The pandemic changed so much for the performing arts sector, especially singing, as this is considered a high-risk “super-spreader” activity. The following 5-10 years will be a time of rebuilding our audiences and hopefully getting back to pre-pandemic levels of ticket sales. However, the pandemic also allowed us to try several new things, including adopting virtual programs (saving both paper and money), live streaming, and recording our concerts for Video-On-Demand. In our last fiscal year, RMAA made over $20,000 of unbudgeted earned income, with over 60% coming from non-Colorado residents. Both Denver Choruses will continue to live stream and provide a VOD option moving forward.

We have also pledged more equity, diversity and accessibility in our programming, staff, singers, and audiences. It is a never-ending journey, but our commitment is steadfast. Through partnerships with Colorado Organization for Latina Opportunity and Reproductive Rights (COLOR) The Gathering Place and Warren Village, to collaborations with Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, Museo de las Américas and the Mexican Cultural Center, we are continually engaging and creating awareness with and for other communities. Our relationship and outreach to local high schools is among our favorite and most rewarding. Additionally, each concert series offers a show with ASL interpreters.

Contact Info:

• Website: denverchoruses.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denverwomenschorus/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DenverGayMensChorus
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/RockyMtnArtsAssn