We are very proud to announce The Quintessence Music Series, our inaugural three-concert music program featuring highly acclaimed artists performing with the Reno Jazz Orchestra.

As a Series member, you can look forward to a diverse repertoire that includes our Very Soulful Christmas with the extraordinarily talented R&B, soul, and rock artist "Tasche" performing with the Orchestra, followed by the worldly sounds of accomplished percussionist Aaron Serfaty within our You Can't Beat This February concert and concluding with Sinatra Sings, Basie Swings with Matt Mauser.

A Fun and Fundraising Initiative

Your exclusive introductory music series program membership comes with premier perks like advance seat selection, personal artist introductions, private backstage events, and even a surprise or two! And, a portion of the package includes a tax-deductible donation to support our education and performing programs.

Join us in celebrating jazz in its various genres and help us continue our tradition of keeping jazz vibrant throughout Northern Nevada and beyond. We're eagerly looking forward to presenting our introductory Quintessential Series of unforgettable performances to you!

Join us for an unforgettable performance as we celebrate the timeless classics of big band jazz. Immerse yourself in the soulful melodies of "It Don't Mean a Thing if It Ain't Got That Swing," "In a Sentimental Mood," and "Shiny Stockings," expertly reimagined by the talented Reno Jazz Orchestra under the masterful direction of Music Director Greg Johnson. The Reno Jazz Orchestra's "Discover Jazz Workshop" youth ensemble will open the show that will leave you tapping your feet and yearning for more. Don't miss this chance to relive the magic of the swing era; it's an event that promises to delight jazz enthusiasts and newcomers alike!

Two Shows:
Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 at 7:30 PM
Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024 at 2:00 PM

Note-Able Music Therapy Services Building
2590 Orovada St, Reno, NV 89512

Ever since the hundreds of Christmas albums released when the LP era began in 1948, the music industry has embraced the holidays, and so have we! With our fan's never-ending request for the RJO to offer a holiday concert, we bring "A Very Soulful Christmas" to you this year.

Joining the 17-piece Orchestra is Tasche, a very talented and world-recognized R&B/Soul/Rock artist ready to energize the stage with an engaging and entertaining holiday concert.

From the most inventive yuletide grooves to straight-up soul and funk, Tasche will premiere an evening of big band music with a funky twist.

Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024 at 2:00 PM

Nightingale Concert Hall
University of Nevada, Reno
Tickets On Sale Now!

Enjoy electrifying rhythms and soulful melodies featuring Venezuelan jazz! This extraordinary concert will present the fusion of traditional Venezuelan music and the improvisational spirit of big band jazz. From the vibrant sounds of the cuatro and maracas to the soulful melodies of the saxophone and piano, this performance promises to be an unforgettable celebration of music and culture with Aaron Serfaty and the Reno Jazz Orchestra.

February 8, 2025 at 7:30 PM

Nightingale Concert Hall
University of Nevada, Reno
Tickets On Sale Now!

Bringing the timeless allure of Ol' Blue Eyes and the incomparable Sinatra sound, guest vocalist and songwriter Matt Mauer is set to deliver a classic big band performance infused with the best of Sinatra, Count Basie, Bruno Mars, Tom Jones, and other top-of-the-charts favorites. Teaming up with the illustrious Reno Jazz Orchestra, Mauer will treat the audience to a vibrant medley of Jazz, Traditional, Pop, Swing, R&B, and even Bolero, promising the sensational sounds of Swing!

May 10, 2025 at 2:00 PM

Nightingale Concert Hall
University of Nevada, Reno
Tickets On Sale Now!

The Reno Jazz Orchestra (RJO) recently concluded its successful Music Director Search Series, a four-concert showcase that put talented conductors in the spotlight. Each conductor was vying for the prestigious role of Music Director, and after a series of impressive performances, the winner has been chosen: Greg Johnson!

The series provided a unique platform for the Reno community. Audience members enjoyed the diverse talents on display, while their feedback, along with that of the musicians and search committee, played a crucial role in selecting the new leader for the RJO. Congratulations to Greg Johnson, and here's to a bright future for the orchestra under his direction!

Read the recent Greg Johnson interview by Reno News & Review writer, Matt King.

We extend our deepest gratitude to Dent Hand for his extraordinary generosity and unwavering commitment to our musical community. Dent's selfless acts of kindness touched countless lives with his continuous support for local musicians and musical organizations, including the Reno Jazz Orchestra. He was a true inspiration to so many of us, and his memory will forever be cherished.

Read the obituary from the San Francisco Chronicle on legacy.com.

Gifted saxophonist and vocalist Camille Thurman takes the stage with the 17-piece Reno Jazz Orchestra (RJO) August 25 th at UNR's Nightingale Hall and August 26 th at Sand Harbor's Warren Edward Trepp stage. Thurman is a unique interpreter of the jazz idiom with a distinct musical approach to classic and original repertoire.

Chuck's blog post this month includes a short interview with Camille.

Nichole Heglund is the new Music Director of The Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra.

Nichole Heglund, originally from Denver, Colorado, moved to Reno and began teaching music in 2003. Over the years she has taught and inspired students in jazz ensembles, bands and choirs at Swope MS, Wooster HS, Billinghurst MS and is currently teaching at Verdi ES and Veterans ES. She became the Education Director for the Reno Jazz Orchestra in 2019 where she continues to share her knowledge and passion. Nichole is the director of Sapphire Jazz Ensemble, a newly formed all female big band and is a saxophonist, guest conductor, active clinician and adjudicator in Northern Nevada and California. She received a Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Northern Colorado where she met her husband Andrew Heglund. Together they have two sons Isaiah and Mathew. She also received a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Nevada, Reno.

We are thrilled to announce that we are rolling out RJO's sixth CD for purchase at our summer concerts! And, we send a heartfelt thank you to Mike Eardley of Tanglewood Productions for his creative mixing, editing and mastering of the original music by members of the RJO.

Can't wait for the CD?

• Preview the Album on Apple Music
• Download the MP3 at Amazon

As a Legacy Society member, your passion, support, and dedication to our organization and fans worldwide will be forever treasured. With your commitment to create your personal legacy for the Reno Jazz Orchestra, you will sustain that extraordinary legacy of music and education that we are honored to share with our fans and community as well.

The RJO Discover Jazz Workshop is taught by Dylan Coleman-Tunstall. In this 8-week program, students work on rhythmic exercises, ear training, jazz tunes, listening, improvisation, and chords and scales. This program is unique as it focuses solely on ear training and memorization. Students who have attended say that they "feel more self-confident" "improved improvisation" and "enjoyed making new friends."

Enrollment is underway.

Stay in touch with the RJO by joining the RJO Fan Club. All we need is your name and your email address. We'll keep you informed about upcoming performances, events, and our plans for the future. We promise, we won't give your info to anyone outside our organization, and we won't fill your in-box with countless emails, but we will remind you of great music you won't want to miss.