Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Brandon Hoff. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Brandon, thanks for joining us today. Can you share a story with us from back when you were an intern or apprentice? Maybe it’s a story that illustrates an important lesson you learned or maybe it’s a just a story that makes you laugh (or cry)? Looking back at internships and apprenticeships can be interesting, because there is so much variety in people’s experiences – and often those experiences inform our own leadership style.

My apprenticeship journey is anything but traditional. As an electric violinist with classical roots, I’m no stranger to pushing boundaries and redefining norms. One of the rare spaces dedicated to electric string players like myself is the Mark Wood Rock Orchestra Camp (MWROC) in Olathe, KS—a week-long event every July that’s now entering its 16th year. This camp, run by none other than Mark Wood of Trans-Siberian Orchestra fame, has been a pivotal part of my growth.

For the past two years, Mark has entrusted me with the role of counselor, mentoring young, passionate musicians who share my love for the electric violin. As a counselor, I get to dive into the same activities, classes, and concerts as the campers, but one of the highlights for me is participating in the “combos.” These ensembles are coached by world-renowned electric string artists, and each group performs in a concert at the end of the week. I had the incredible honor of being selected by Mark Wood himself to join his combo during my first year at camp. Not only did he appoint me as the leader of the ensemble, but he also progressively gave me more responsibilities throughout the week, guiding me as I led the group.

The pinnacle of that experience was when he handed me a solo for the final concert. Standing on stage, performing that song, and seeing Mark cheering me on from the front row is a moment I’ll never forget. After the concert, he praised my performance and crowd engagement, which was incredibly validating. Even more rewarding were the campers who approached me afterward, telling me how my performance inspired them to push their own limits with their electric string instruments. It was a full-circle moment—having the very person who inspired me to pick up the electric violin at 12 now passing the torch, empowering me to inspire the next generation.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My journey with the electric violin began at 12, thanks to my mentor Mark Wood, who introduced me to the instrument through his Electrify Your Symphony program at my school. While I started playing classical violin at nine, it wasn’t until I discovered I could perform the contemporary rock and pop music I loved that I truly connected with the instrument. This spark eventually led me to pivot from a pre-med track to a full pursuit of music during my sophomore year at The Ohio State University, after reconnecting with Mark via email.

Performing solo with backing tracks at campus tailgates and events, I quickly realized how much energy and excitement live music brought to people. Inspired by the enthusiastic response from my peers, I returned to my hometown of Cleveland, OH, and formed a band with high school friends and mutual connections. Originally an all-instrumental group—featuring myself on lead electric violin, playing vocal melodies and guitar solos alongside guitar, bass, keys, and drums—we later incorporated vocals into our current lineup. From our very first open mic performances at local Cleveland bars, we knew we had something special. Our 15-minute sets captivated audiences so much that venues would book us on the spot, drawn to our unique sound and energy.

That’s how Bridge The Gap 216 was born. The name reflects both our Cleveland roots (with 216 being the city’s area code) and the versatility of our music. We bridge genres, eras, and classical foundations, covering everything from rock and pop to country, classical, and alternative hits from the ’70s to today. This diversity allows us to connect with a wide range of audiences and keep our performances fresh and dynamic.

Our band provides entertainment for all types of private events—weddings, galas, corporate functions, festivals—you name it. We add both elegance and excitement, with the ability to customize our lineup and tailor the experience to each event’s unique vibe. Whether you’re looking for a full band to energize the crowd or subtle live background music to enhance the ambiance, we’ve got you covered. As an electric violinist, I can perform solo with backing tracks, with a smaller ensemble, or with the full band, offering flexibility that sets us apart. My classical training ensures I can bring a touch of tradition to moments like wedding ceremonies, while also delivering high-energy performances of today’s hits to keep the party going.

What I’m most proud of is our ability to adapt and innovate, stepping into uncharted musical territory while staying true to our roots. Based in Cleveland, OH, we’re ready to travel wherever your event takes us—wherever your budget allows, we’ll be there to make it unforgettable.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Although I started playing classical violin at the age of nine and have had a passion for music for as long as I can remember, my goal was never to pursue it as a career. Growing up, I was constantly told that music was one of the toughest industries to break into, and that it wouldn’t be a sustainable way to support myself or a future family. With that in mind, I followed my other passion for science and medicine, which led me to major in biology at The Ohio State University.

During my sophomore year at Ohio State, I joined the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity, where I was given the opportunity to perform at one of their tailgates before an Ohio State football game. The enthusiastic response from my peers was overwhelming and inspired me to share videos of the performance with Mark Wood through his website. To my surprise, he emailed me back from his personal account, expressing his desire to stay in touch and highlighting a special talent he noticed in me.

Mark connected me with Dr. Robert Gillespie, an emeritus string pedagogy professor at The Ohio State University. Dr. Gillespie provided me with professional opportunities, such as being a guest artist and clinician for string teachers, and performing alongside youth orchestras. This exposure led to an article about my journey in Ohio State’s newspaper, The Lantern.

Mark has since become a close friend and mentor, guiding me through my transition into becoming a professional musician. Inspired by his belief in my abilities, I added a music minor during my junior year, further enhancing my classical training. His support opened the door for me to believe in myself and fully embrace my true passion for music.

I am incredibly grateful and humbled by how far I’ve come in such a short time. Since graduating from Ohio State in May 2024, I’ve booked private events for myself and my band, perform monthly in downtown Cleveland, and continue to build my career in music. I’m excited to see where this journey takes me, and I hope you’ll follow along for the ride!

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

A team is only as strong as its leader. I’ve found that clear communication is key to managing a team and moving forward. I frequently share my ideas with my band to inspire them and set things in motion. Maintaining a positive outlook is essential—when you lead with optimism, your team will follow suit. Life’s path is never without obstacles, but looking ahead for solutions helps you overcome adversity. Failure is inevitable on any journey, but it’s simply an opportunity to learn and grow. It’s imperative to pick yourself up and try again.

A specific example from working with my band was a ticketed event we organized that had a disappointing turnout. Morale was low, but we used this as a chance to improve our marketing skills. We expanded our social media presence and experimented with new promotional strategies for upcoming gigs. Additionally, we embraced more traditional forms of marketing, such as distributing physical flyers at shows, handing out business cards, and displaying a sign with a QR code linking to our online platforms.

I’m constantly learning how to evolve in the digital landscape, but I’ve found that word of mouth remains the most effective form of advertising. Exuding passion is critical for inspiring your team and reminding them why you’re in this together. Remembering your roots is essential to appreciating how far you’ve come and motivating you to push your boundaries even further. A team with a common purpose is unstoppable!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://brandonhoffmusic.com
• Instagram: @brandonhoffmusic, @bridgethegap216
• Facebook: @brandonhoffmusic, @bridgethegap216
• Youtube: @brandonhoffmusic, @bridgethegap216

Image Credits

Russ Lang Photography, Lanejphotography, Jeffrey Allee