Join the RJO as we welcome award-winning singer-songwriter Nicolas Bearde to share the stage and take you on a musical journey that emerged from the cultural melting pot of New Orleans in the early 20th century. Through this adventure, the Reno Jazz Orchestra and Nicolas Bearde will present compositions from the extraordinary "Legends of Jazz" and finish with a crescendo of contemporary works written by RJO Music Director Dr. Greg Johnson.

October 13, 2024 at 2:00 PM

The Theatre
Keystone Square
505 Keystone Ave, Reno, NV
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.