Ronald J. Snider

Percussionist Ronald Joe Snider of Dallas, Assistant Principal Percussionist of The Dallas Symphony Orchestra, artist and inventor, died Monday November 23, 2020. He was 73. Mr. Snider was born in Roby, TX, August 4,1947 to his parents Ollie Mae and John Herrell Snider. He is survived by his wife Barbara Moser, his son Dorian Snider (Erin) and daughter Chelsea Snider (Geoff Katt) of their mother Joan Weller Snider, Barbara’s children Kimberly Moore (David), Julie Rheay (Heath) and David Moser (Kimberly), and his 12 grandchildren Morgan and Dylan Snider, Loki and Ruka Sniderheidt, Alyssa, Chloe and Carson Moore, Gabrielle, Aidan and Mason Rheay, Catherine and Payton Moser, and his brother James Snider. Ron discovered a talent and passion for music early in life. Completing the percussion program under the instruction of Ron Fink at the University of North Texas in 1968, Ron deepened his study of world music in Berkley, CA studying under Tabla Master Pandit Mahapurush Mishra, in Berkeley, CA before joining The Dallas Symphony Orchestra in 1970, where for over 50 years he was a beloved member, featured performer, solist. He also toured as a guest performer on the cimbalom around the world. In 1990, Ron was a founding member of the world percussion group D’Drum and, alongside duet partner Ed Smith, trekked to Ubud, Bali for over 12 years to receive transmission of classical Wayang Kulit and Gamelan repertoire under Gender Wayang Maestro, I Ketut Madri. Ron’s creativity, collaborative spirit and radiant love of music has inspired countless musicians across North Texas and influenced the World Music community. “Our sages developed music from time immemorial to take shelter in one’s true self. Real music is not for wealth, not for honors, or not even the joys of the mind – it is a path for realization and salvation.” Ustad Ali Akbar Khan