RJO Blog

The Reno Jazz Orchestra (RJO) is presenting two concerts at our new home, the Note-Able Music Therapy Services building on Orovada Street in Reno, on November 16 at 7:30pm and November 17 at 2:00pm. The Note-Ables did a wonderful job converting the former Montessori school into a music space for all abilities. This includes our office and an intimate theater space seating approximately 80. RJO Music Director Greg Johnson chose the program Timeless Reimagined Standards for our inaugural event in the theater...

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...

This weekend the Reno Jazz Orchestra (RJO) will present Fuego on July 20 in Reno’s Wingfield Park and again July 22 in the Warren Edward Trepp stage at Sand Harbor. My last blog I shared my love for Latin music and gave you background on the music and those that made it flourish in America. Today let me introduce to you the artists joining the 17-piece RJO and the material we will be performing...

While going to college in San Francisco during the seventies, as a musician, the cultural diversity of the city introduced me to a wealth of music styles I would not have experienced otherwise. Back then, I would take my trombone to church to perform at a morning service. In the afternoon, I would play in a marching band in Chinatown for a Chinese funeral where the band performing hymns would lead a parade of mourners in trucks and cars. Then it was off to Mission Street at night to play Salsa. Those, along with performing in rock bands, big bands, and orchestras were all great experiences. It was in 1975 that the Salsa band’s conga player invited me over to listen to some of his new records. When he put on The Sun of Latin Music I was blown away with what I heard and have been a fan ever since...

The RJO embarked on a conductor search this past fall to find a permanent replacement for me. I had the privilege of leading the orchestra for sixteen years and have been enjoying seeing the candidates lead the orchestra. Three of the candidates have already led the orchestra (more on that later) with one more to go, Dr. Greg Johnson. He will lead the orchestra March 10 featuring his compositions and arrangements. Check out the link at the bottom of this article where you can purchase tickets. I had a nice talk with Greg and here is what I learned about him. . .

by Nichole Heglund (Guest Writer)

In 2015, I had the privilege of serving as a jazz instructor for the Reno Jazz Orchestra's mentor program. As a band director myself, I was familiar with the outstanding work the RJO had been doing in our local schools, as my students and I had benefited from the mentor program. We were fortunate to have talented RJO musicians such as Larry Engstrom and Hans Halt visit our classroom, significantly enhancing our jazz band's knowledge and technique within just a few months.

Ten years ago at the 2013 Reno Jazz Orchestra board retreat, I brought forward the need for succession in case something happened to me. I am happy to say I am still here, but much has changed in the RJO thanks to the hard work of the board, staff, and band. Since this is the season of thanks and sharing, I want to give a shoutout to all the folks who are the RJO.  ...

The Reno Jazz Orchestra (RJO) will perform Duke Ellington's Such Sweet Thunder November 11 and 12 at the Good Luck Macbeth Theatre Company. These performances celebrate and are a tribute to long time RJO mentor Jim Kidder. In fact, it was Kidder's idea to produce Such Sweet Thunder. . .

The Reno Jazz Orchestra (RJO) just finished two fantastic concerts featuring saxophonist Tom Scott. Scott began his legendary career as a sideman on many albums before recording under his own name. Becoming a professional musician requires not only skill, but dedication and motivation to put in the work. Musicians honing their craft will practice four to eight hours a day and will continue to practice every day while working as a musician. Have you seen the documentary “Twenty-Five Feet From Stardom” about singers backing up the stars? I think it is time for you to meet the exceptional musicians of the RJO and this blog is the start.