We are very proud to announce the continuation of The Quintessence Music Series with two concert music programs featuring highly acclaimed artists performing with the Reno Jazz Orchestra.

As a Series member, you can look forward to 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 RJO Music Director Dr. Greg Johnson's latest CD.

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

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 are still available for Purchase at the Door
Box Office Opens at 12:45 pm December 21, 2024.

The Reno Jazz Orchestra (RJO) is presenting A Very Soulful Christmas on Dec. 21 at 2pm at UNR's Nightingale Hall. This is the first concert of a trio of concerts we are calling, The Quintessence Series. Our music director, Greg Johnson, has created all new arrangements of some of your favorite holiday songs to highlight the vocal talent of Tasche, our featured guest artist. The holiday concert is always special to the RJO because the Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra (RYJO) opens the show as they have since 2006. Nichole Heglund is the new RYJO music director and RYJO season 19 is sponsored by CJ Walters in memory of Larry Walters. . .

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 Mauser 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, Mauser 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 4:00 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.

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.