Announcing Scott Merchant as the New Executive Director

July 16, 2024 Tami Matthews 0 Comments

Announcing Scott Merchant as the New Executive Director

Denver – July 15, 2024 – The Denver Municipal Band (the Band) is thrilled to announce that Scott Merchant has been named the new Executive Director. Scott follows a long line of executive directors as the Band was formed in 1861, more than 160 years ago.

Scott is a great fit for the position. He has 20-plus years of experience in music; many years performing as a musician; an entrepreneurial spirit where he managed True Voice Studio; an ability to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI); and connections with Denver-area arts and educational communities.

Bob Shaklee, Chairman of the Board for the Denver Municipal Band, said, “Everyone here at the Band is happy. Scott is incredibly enthusiastic and has a creative vision for the future. He’ll be working with the board, the musical director and the musicians to keep what makes us special while we plan for the future, including working with the City of Denver, the Mayor, Denver Parks and Recreation, Denver City Council as well as SCFD, surrounding county agencies , and neighborhoods across the Denver-metro area. He plans to marry the old with the new. I can’t wait to see how he brings those ideas to fruition and how our audiences will enjoy the new traditions.”

Scott added, “I’m excited and grateful to lead this incredible historic organization and ensemble. It’s an honor to take up the torch of this 160-year-old organization filled with wonderful talent and a real heart for the community. I look forward to helping the Denver Municipal Band continue for another 160 years! My biggest mission is to support the Band’s mission, our partners, and the Denver-metro area through music and the arts. The next months to come will be full of activities, conversations, and events that will grow and expand what we do, while keeping what makes us special.”

About the Denver Municipal Band

The Denver Municipal Band was formed back in 1861. The Band has been around longer than Colorado has been a state! Over the years, the Band tamed a western town to welcome families, cheered people up during the Silver crash, played for Teddy Roosevelt as well as Barack Obama, performed for official mayoral events, brought families to parks across the Denver-metro area, and helped students at schools across the area. For more information, visit denvermunicipalband.org.