Cleveland Chandler, Jr – Violin
Cleveland Chandler, Jr. served as violinist in the United States Air Force Band for 24 years. His education includes a Bachelor’s degree from Peabody Conservatory and a Master’s degree from The Cleveland Institute of Music. Additionally, Mr. Chandler has studied chamber music with the Emerson & Juilliard String Quartets, studied at the Mark O'Connor String Seminar at the Berklee College of Music, Aspen Music Festival and the National Orchestral Institute. He also performed for the American Ambassador to Jamaica in Kingston sponsored by the U.S. State Department. Mr. Chandler also continues to perform regularly with the Gateways Festival and has been featured in ensembles at Carnegie Hall, the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall and many other notable venues.
In 2007, Mr. Chandler founded First Class Strings, LLC. He has been a founding member of the Amistad Quartet, Chesapeake Strings, and the Aura String Quintet. Mr. Chandler was also a featured Guest Artist at Indiana University at South Bend for the “Lift Every Voice” Concert. Additionally, he and his colleague, Robin Massie are first place winners of the Inaugural Misbin Family Memorial Chamber Music Competition and recently performed for the 10th Annual Winners Concert and Anniversary Celebration.
After military retirement, Mr. Chandler continues to be in demand. He now performs with the National Philharmonic, the Colour of Music Festival, the Maryland Symphony, the Soulful Symphony, as well as numerous other solo and chamber music engagements with First Class Strings, LLC and other organizations. He was recently featured at the French Embassy as part of a quartet performing chamber music of Chevalier de Saint Georges for Washington International Film Festival 2023.
