DadBand is a quartet (two cellists, two violists) of musicians who are active performers, teachers and, most importantly, dads living and working in the Cleveland area. Their training comes from some of the most prestigious schools in the country including the Eastman School of Music, Cleveland Institute of Music, and the New England Conservatory. Each member of DadBand has performed in concerts all over the United States and Europe. Currently, they perform with the Cleveland Pops Orchestra, BlueWater Chamber Orchestra, No Exit New Music Ensemble, The Oblivion Project, among others.

As music educators, the members of DadBand currently serve as private instructors, youth orchestra directors, chamber music coaches, and school music directors in the Northeast Ohio area including The Music Settlement.

As fathers, DadBand musicians are joined by loving spouses, and share the unique experiences of fatherhood in common with each other and all other fathers. Between the four fathers of DadBand, there are seven children.

Their repertoire covers all ranges of music, original and arranged, including classical, jazz, pop, rock, folk, latin, and children’s songs composed by DadBand members Derek Snyder and James Rhodes, local Cleveland cellist and composer Heidi Albert, composer Ennio Morricone, Peter Schickele, Astor Piazzolla, and others. Often the music is inspired in some way by their children and students and is performed on violas and cellos, creating a unique and compelling musical experience for the listener. DadBand’s sound, instrumentation, and inspiration set them apart from other groups performing today.

DadBand members are: Dan Heim, viola; James Rhodes, viola; Derek Snyder, cello; Nick Diodore, cello