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...
THE RJO BLOG
News and Articles
Camille Thurman – Breaking the Glass Ceiling
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...
Fuego – A Night of Salsa and Latin Jazz
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...
My Fifty-Year Love Affair with Latin Music
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...
Reno Jazz Festival – 62 Years of Great Jazz
The University of Nevada, Reno is hosting the 62nd Reno Jazz Festival April 25 – 27, 2024. Produced by UNR's School of the Arts jazz faculty, the festival showcases jazz artists at the top of their game as well as student ensembles from throughout the country. Founded in 1962 by John Carrico and continued under the direction of Larry Engstrom, UNR faculty members Peter Epstein and Adam Benjamin now co-lead this year's festival. . .
The Reno Jazz Orchestra's Conductor Search Finale
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. . .
Expanding Jazz Education: A Look at Reno Jazz Orchestra's Impactful Programs
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.
A Year Full of Joy
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. ...
Such Sweet Tribute
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. . .
Meet the Musicians of the RJO
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.
Making a Difference Through Jazz Performance
In 2006, lifelong music educator Vern Scarbrough saw a need in Reno. Local students who were drawn to the performing arts and who wanted to go beyond the experiences available in their school programs could sing in a youth chorus or play in a youth orchestra. For students wanting to explore the world of jazz however, there were no local options available.
Celebrating the Reno Music Community
Because I am filling in for my good friend, monthly columnist Chuck Reider, let me introduce myself. My name is Dallas Smith. I’ve resided in Reno with my wife, Susan Mazer, since 1994. I am a woodwinds player (flute, clarinet, and saxophone) and a longtime member of the Reno Jazz Orchestra. ..
Hotter Than July
I don’t think the Reno Jazz Orchestra (RJO) could have picked a better program name featuring the music of Tina Turner and Stevie Wonder. Join us at Wingfield Park July 30th at 7:30pm for our Artown performance. If you dig it, join us at Sand Harbor for the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival Monday Night Music Series August 1. There are only a few tickets left for this one, so be quick!
Reno Jazz Orchestra Merges With Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra, Announces New Leadership
(RENO, Nev.) July 20, 2022 – The Reno Jazz Orchestra announced its unprecedented merger with the Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra and welcomed its new leadership during its Summer Soiree fundraiser in Reno, Nevada, on July 19, 2022. Over $32,000 was raised to support the organization’s youth jazz education programs.
Meet John Bennum, the Reno Jazz Orchestra's new Executive Director
John Bennum has been a welcome addition to the Reno Jazz Orchestra (RJO) since joining the trombone section in 2017. In 2019 he became my assistant executive director and as I moved to the board president position, the board of directors enthusiastically recommended him to be promoted to executive director. This month I want you all to meet John.
Introducing Doug Coomler, the Reno Jazz Orchestra's New Music Director
It is my pleasure to introduce you to Doug Coomler as our new Music Director and let you know more about him. Though he has performed with the orchestra on the tenor sax since 1999, Coomler recently took the helm of the Reno Jazz Orchestra to move us musically forward.
Making Music in the New Millennium
The other day I was in line at a local coffee shop and the barista that day was Miguel Jimenez, a talented drummer who has worked with the RJO. This set me thinking. How does this generation of jazz musicians (actually musicians in general) make a living and continue to practice “their trade?” With this in mind, I want to introduce you to two gifted local musicians: Miguel Jimenez-Cruz and Zack Teran...
Beating the Blues: Reno Jazz Festival is Back
After a two-year COVID hiatus, the Reno Jazz Festival returns April 28th – 30th, 2022, both virtually and in-person on the campus of the University of Nevada, Reno. This is truly a Reno iconic event and I encourage all of you to attend the 60th year!
A Life in the Arts Remembered
This December the performing arts community lost an icon. For over forty-five years Scott Bergstrom was an integral part of the performing arts by providing sound engineering to thousands of concerts over the years. His instrument was not a guitar or brass instrument but rather a soundboard that captured the ensemble large or small and shared it with the audience. We all have enjoyed his work...
Merry Christmas 2021
by Chuck Reider, Board President of the Reno Jazz Orchestra
Last weekend the Reno Jazz Orchestra (RJO) celebrated the season with “Home for the Holidays” featuring the orchestra and four gifted hometown singers; Stephanya Barranti, David Wells, Kira Osborne, and Cliff Porter. It was a joy and honor conducting the orchestra with our guests in front of an audience. Though it was another year of uncertainty, it is our wish 2022 brings more opportunities to perform live and share the joy of jazz.
Happy Thanksgiving 2021!
I hope everyone enjoyed Thanksgiving with family and friends and wish today’s black Friday shoppers all the best. I am thankful for all my blessings of which there are many. One such blessing is my involvement with the Reno Jazz Orchestra (RJO) over the years. Last weekend the RJO celebrated the career of Dr. Larry Engstrom with a concert featuring the RJO’s student jazz workshop students, UNR’s jazz faculty quintet the Collective, and the full Reno Jazz Orchestra performing Dr. Engstrom’s compositions.
Behind the Curtain
Reno Jazz Orchestra (RJO) fans recognize me, the RJO’s musicians, and guest artists but most don’t get to meet the folks who help put together our concerts and keep the RJO moving forward. With the holidays on the way it reminded me how thankful I am the RJO has such great people working for us and today’s article I am going to take you “behind the curtain” to meet three of those folks; Jennifer Mannix, Lee Koch, and Danne Polk.
“Spirits” album release 10/1/2021
Today I am proud to announce the release of our fifth album “Spirits” which is a collection of Earth, Wind, and Fire’s (EWF) music, our first studio recording since 2000. 2020 and 2021 have been a challenge for us all and this album is a response to that challenge. As EWF’s leader Maurice White said “Most people can't see beauty and love. I see our music as medicine”. Their music is that medicine we need right now and the RJO is proud to present our interpretation.
Jazz Returns To Stage and School…with Challenges
This article I will focus on our education programs and to update you on our Diane Schuur concert.
The Art of Swing
What is swing, it’s history, and what is new? The Reno Jazz Orchestra (RJO), after two great concerts featuring the music of Earth, Wind, and Fire, is bringing Diane Schuur to Reno and Tahoe 8/22 and 8/23. Ms. Schuur, winner of two Grammys in jazz, knows how to swing. So, let’s talk swing.
Spirits
Join the Reno Jazz Orchestra (RJO) 7/30 at the Hawkins Amphitheater in Bartley Ranch or 8/2 at Sand Harbor as a part of the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival’s Monday night series to hear us perform the music of Earth, Wind, and Fire (EWF). There you can pick up our brand-new CD "Spirits" featuring the music of EWF. It is the culmination of great recording sessions and studio polishing over the course of nine months.
The Jazzettes - Women in Jazz
The Reno Jazz Orchestra’s (RJO) monthly offering will present the Jazzettes, a trio of very talented women June 20th 2 pm on the RJO youtube channel.
Mentor, Role Model, Friend
In 1959 when I was in the sixth grade, I first began to play the clarinet, under the instruction of my band director, Dr. George Corradino.
Jazz Live and Jazz in the Studio
Sunday May 16 at 2pm the Reno Jazz Orchestra will feature the Bayberry Cast on our youtube channel.
See You This Summer!
Spring of 2021 brings hope that the Reno Jazz Orchestra (RJO) will be able to perform live and in person. We mastered Zoom for meetings, our education programs and even concerts, but now it is time to move on. With that in mind I want to share what we are working on both for performances and in education...
Online It Is!
The Reno Jazz Orchestra (RJO) has been very busy virtually speaking. Bad news is we still can’t share our love for jazz with you in person, good news is that you can join us virtually any time you wish. I want to give you a report about our virtual Jazz in the Schools (JITS) we hosted February 11th through 13th . Then a bit about our new monthly series which premiers Sunday, March 21st at 2:00 pm .
The Reno Jazz Orchestra Thrives Even During the Pandemic
For readers who may be unfamiliar with the RJO, the Reno Jazz Orchestra is Northern Nevada’s premiere big band, in existence for over two decades and featuring some of Northern Nevada’s best jazz musicians. Unfortunately, Covid-19 has presented the RJO from performing live since the beginning of the pandemic. This article will review how the RJO has continued to function in the absence of live concert performances.
The Sun of Latin Music
A few weeks ago I introduced you all to Brazilian music and with winter still upon us today is the day to meet the Sun of Latin Music, Eddie Palmieri. 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...
Planting the Seeds of Jazz
Today jazz education is on the agenda. One story is about three days in February and the other thirty-four years in the making...
Holiday Jazz!
Improvisation is at the core of jazz and this year all of us had to improvise a new way in all we do and rely on the thoughtfulness of others to get through this year.
Brazil!
Let’s take a trip to Brazil by focusing on one arrangement to be featured on the Reno Jazz Orchestra’s (RJO) Earth, Wind, and Fire recording project. It is actually two Brazilian songs put together into one piece “Ponta de Areia” and “Zanzibar”. Though EWF is world renowned for their funk and soul they had jazz roots starting with leader Maurice White performing with jazz pianist Ramsey Lewis. White and the band have had a life-long love for Brazilian music and the songs above were featured on two different albums. First let me introduce you to Brazilian music and then the composers...
Home Town Music Heroes
This month the Reno Jazz Orchestra started our Mentor Program and Saturday Jazz Workshop. The Mentor Program brings a professional jazz musician to the band room to work with school jazz bands. The workshop teaches jazz improvisation mostly by ear to develop that skill. We started later than usual because this fall they are both online. I thought it timely to speak to local band directors who are working through all the challenges of teaching music during the pandemic and I was impressed by their dedication to both teaching and counseling students.
Do You Remember the 21st Night of September?
I bet that most of you reading this know the Earth, Wind and Fire (EWF) song the above lyric came from and you can sing it! Since we are recording it as a part of EWF recording project I thought I would share a little of the song’s background first. Then introduce you to two of the musicians performing and lastly a quick project update.
Bringing Musicians Together in a Socially Distant World Pt. 2
With the help of our sponsors the Reno Jazz Orchestra’s (RJO) Earth, Wind, and Fire (EWF) recording project is underway. Last month I provided an overview of the project and here is an update...
RJO Celebrates Earth, Wind, and Fire
The Reno Jazz Orchestra’s (RJO) Artown and Sand Harbor summer concerts were to be “Earth, Wind, and Fire Now, Then, and Forever – Celebrating Earth, Wind, and Fire (EWF)” and, of course, they are postponed till next summer. Prior to cancellation we were well underway preparing the program; music chosen, music arrangers writing the material for the orchestra, and singers rehearsing.
After several brainstorming session we thought perhaps there would be a way to record all the material professionally and my next few articles will cover that process...
I Hope in Time a Change Will Come
Racism has been a plague on humanity reaching back to the Pharaohs over 5,000 years ago and continues to haunt us to this day. I was disheartened when the Black Lives Matter marches began as a result of black deaths at the hands of police. Why?
Reno Jazz in the World
The Reno Jazz Orchestra’s mission (RJO) is focused on jazz performance and education. My article this month introduces you to three Reno musicians who graduated from UNR, performed with the RJO, and are now out in the world creating new music for this generation.
Brubeck Jazz Summit – Incline Village
Summit Dates: July 19th - 25th, 2020
Classical Tahoe is bringing the Brubeck Jazz Summit to Sierra Nevada University this summer which is the main event for this month’s column, but first a Reno Jazz Orchestra (RJO) update...
The Art of Jazz in the time of Social Distancing
We are all coping with Covid-19 as best we can so I thought today I would share how three local musicians are keeping jazz and more importantly our spirits alive and well. Let’s start with Dallas Smith.
Josh Reed and Julien Knowles
Today's article focuses on the "new". Two trumpet players and a first time Reno Jazz Orchestra (RJO) performance in Minden...
Headliners for RJO's 2020 Concert Season
Diane Schuur and "Now, Then, Forever, celebrating Earth Wind and Fire" headline the RJO's 2020 concert season.
With a successful Jazz in the Schools weekend and our first concert in Minden in our rear-view mirror, I thought now would be a good time to let you know what the rest of 2020 will bring. Let me start with our two summer programs.
Jazz in the Schools 2020
It is a brand new year and all of the holiday trimmings are tucked away for next year so our thoughts turn to… well jazz of course! Kicking off the Reno Jazz Orchestra’s (RJO) new year is our annual Jazz in the Schools event February 8th at the University of Nevada Reno (UNR). Under the direction of Jazz in the Schools director, Andy Heglund, we are pleased to partner with UNR for a full day of student performances, clinics, and an afternoon concert featuring the RJO and the UNR jazz faculty quintet performing the music of Oliver Nelson. Here is what to look forward to...
Thank You Northern Nevada
Every year the Reno Jazz Orchestra (RJO) ends our holiday concert with “We Wish You A Merry Christmas”, a love letter to our community. During the course of the year we all tend to forget those things most important to us, so the holiday season is a time to give thanks to those we hold dear. For twenty-two years northern Nevada’s support has enabled us to bring great jazz and jazz education to the community. Today’s article highlights what the RJO has accomplished with your support. Let me start with our education programs...
Home for the Holidays
This year the Reno Jazz Orchestra (RJO) is presenting “Home for the Holidays” featuring trombone virtuoso Bob McChesney, his wife vocalist/violinist Calabria Foti, special guests the Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra, and a very special appearance of the “Hot Holly Dolls”! Performances are December 13th 7:30 pm and December 14th 2:00 pm at the Cargo Concert Hall at the Whitney Peak Hotel. After last year’s tour of holiday music from around the world we decided to stay home by the fire and cozy up to those great Christmas songs you know and love. Just jazzed up a bit! Both McChesney and Foti are artists in their own right with solo recordings who are also featured on other artist’s recordings, as well as movie soundtracks. Both are passionate music educators. Needless to say they are very busy folks and we are delighted they can join us.
Stan Kenton - Artistry in Jazz
Each spring and fall we host a concert at the intimate one hundred seat Good Luck Macbeth theater in mid-town. This November 8th and 9th we are featuring the music of Stan Kenton, legendary bandleader and pioneer in jazz education. A perfect fit as our guest conductor is Vern Scarbrough, director of the Reno Youth Orchestra, and students participating in our Saturday morning jazz workshop open the concert. First, let me tell you about Kenton and his connection to jazz education...
Jazz Orchestras, A Great American Heritage
I have been fortunate to lead the Reno Jazz Orchestra since 2006, and over the years we have grown due to the support of our community. Thank you all! This month we will revisit the origins of the jazz orchestra, after which I will share three new RJO projects that honor the past and look to the future...
A Family Of Music
It is my pleasure to introduce you to two members of the Reno Jazz Orchestra (RJO) family, Andy and Nichole Heglund. Andy has been the RJO’s drummer for over ten years and a past president. Nichole joined us this spring to head our jazz education programs.
Kurt Elling – An American Music Journey
Artown has wrapped up and the Reno Jazz Orchestra (RJO) was honored to present “The Queen of Soul, A Loving Tribute to Aretha Franklin” to our community at three venues to full houses. Over the thirteen years of being the RJO’s Music Director people have gotten to know me and when out and about I will often hear, “hey, you’re the jazz guy”. A moniker I am happy to wear. It is the support of the community over our twenty-two years that allows us to bring great American music to the Reno/Tahoe area. That support has enabled us to bring one of the country’s greatest singers this Labor Day weekend to the Pioneer Theater and the Sand Harbor Amphitheater. His name is Kurt Elling and if you don’t know the name let me introduce you...
A Loving Tribute to Aretha Franklin
The Reno Jazz Orchestra (RJO) will present “The Queen of Soul, a Loving Tribute to Aretha Franklin” July 15th at the Hawkins Amphitheater as an Artown presentation and July 22nd at the Sand Harbor Trepp Amphitheater. Both shows start at 7:30 pm. The RJO firmly embraces Duke Ellington’s famous quote “There are two kinds of music. Good music, and the other kind.” We chose this tribute to celebrate a true American original.
A Jazz Orchestra for the New Millennium
The Reno Jazz Orchestra’s recent concerts at the Good Luck Macbeth theater May 31 and June 1 featured the compositions and arrangements of Vince Mendoza. I suspect most of you have not heard his name, but I am certain you have heard his music. With 22 recordings as arranger-conductor for a wide range of artists from Joni Mitchell to Joe Zawinul, 15 recordings of his original compositions, six Grammy awards and 25 Grammy nominations, his work is widely heard.
So why don’t you recognize his name? He follows in the legendary footsteps of other composer-arranger-conductors such as Quincy Jones, Oliver Nelson, Billy May and Claus Ogerman. Most of you have heard of Quincy Jones, but what about the others? All of these gentlemen were well-versed in both jazz and popular music worlds and expanded the musical palette of a jazz orchestra. This leads me to the topic of today’s column: What does the future jazz orchestra in the new millennium sound like?
Reno Jazz Festival, 57 Years of Great Jazz
The fifty-seventh three-day Reno Jazz Festival (RJF) concluded April 27th and it thrills me to tell you twenty-six local school big bands, combos, and choirs participated and received accolades including outstanding Nevada High School ensemble and Middle School Choir...
Where in the World Will Jazz Take You?
This month’s column introduces you to two Reno jazz artists, trumpeter Dickie Mills and saxophonist Chris Casaceli. Mills recently turned 90 and has been a Reno jazz stalwart since the 1950s and Casaceli is joining the professional music community after recently graduating from the University of Oregon.
Business, Non-Profits, and All That Jazz
This month’s article illustrates the synergy between business, non-profits, and what the Reno Jazz Orchestra (RJO) does best… All that Jazz. We will be performing April 30th at our home in Midtown for a Northern Nevada HOPES fundraiser and later that week May 2nd at the Chateau in Incline Village to fundraise for Tahoe Family Solutions. It is the generosity of local businesses sponsoring the RJO’s performance at both events which brings together jazz and non-profits.
RJO Concert Season of 2019
Kurt Elling and a Loving tribute to Aretha Franklin headline the RJO concert season
With a successful Jazz in the Schools weekend in our rear-view mirror I thought now would be a good time to let you know what the rest of 2019 will bring. Let me start with our two summer programs...
Jazz in the Schools 2019
Winter got you in a funk? Get out of that funk by experiencing our annual Jazz in the Schools weekend 2/9 through 2/10. The Reno Jazz Orchestra (RJO) and the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) will host a full weekend of big band jazz in the Church Fine Arts building on the UNR campus. Under the guidance of Dr. Andy Heglund, Jazz in the Schools has grown from a one-day event to four, so let me tell you what you can expect.
The Art of Recording in Reno
Today it is my pleasure to introduce you to two honorary members of the Reno Jazz Orchestra (RJO). They don’t take the stage but are vital in bringing the RJO to your ears. Mike Eardley and Tom Gordon are local recording engineers with their own studios that record us, maximize the recorded sound quality, and mix all the tracks (each instrument is on its own track), and then make it ready for a CD or digital release. These guys know their craft and turn a rough gem into a polished product that sparkles. I think its magic, at least that is what they tell me!
Northern Nevada - We Love You Madly
The Reno Jazz Orchestra (RJO) turned twenty-one this year. Thank you northern Nevada for believing in our mission and supporting us all these years. In 1997 we started performing at the Continental Lodge on the corner of Virginia Street and Plumb Lane to standing room crowds. Just three of the founding band remain, myself, trombonist Rich Lewis, and tenor saxophonist Jim Garaventa, but the spirit of the original band is still with us. It is a strong motivation to share our love of jazz and inspire the next generation of jazz musicians...
'Gem of a singer' Tierney Sutton
Labor Day. Our great American holiday is the perfect weekend to showcase the Great American Songbook. Many singers visit the Great American Songbook, but it is the gifted singer that can present a gem of a song in a new light by changing the angle a bit to reveal new facets.
Eight-time Grammy nominee Tierney Sutton is truly one of those gifted singers. The Reno Jazz Orchestra is pleased to share the stage with Sutton on Friday, Aug. 31 at the Cargo Concert Hall in the Whitney Peak Hotel and Saturday, Sept. 1 at the Sand Harbor Amphitheater in Incline Village...
RJO Honors A Trio Of Jazz Legends
The Reno Jazz Orchestra celebrates New Orleans' 300th anniversary with “New Orleans – A Night in the Big Easy” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 28, 2018, at Wingfield Park. This article features the music and musicians, but first a pop quiz...
Let the Good Times Roll
On July 28th the Reno Jazz Orchestra (RJO) will present “New Orleans, A Night in the Big Easy” as a part of Artown. It seems a perfect match as Reno’s 150th anniversary coincides with New Orleans’ 300th anniversary!
Maiden Voyage- The RJO in MidTown
May 18th and 19th the RJO will perform at our new home “the Union Hall” in Midtown. Our maiden voyage! ...Our first concert features the big band music of RJO bassist and member of the UNR jazz faculty Hans Halt. You will hear his original compositions, arrangements of great jazz standards, and transcriptions. There will also be some special guests...
Exceptional Student Jazz- The Reno Youth Orchestra
When I heard that six Washoe County School District jazz students made Nevada All State ensembles and all of them members of the Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra (RYJO) I knew I had to touch base with RYJO Director Vern Scarbrough. Vern and his wife Karen founded RYJO in 2006 and each year RYJO’s program has grown...
Good Luck Macbeth – We Tell Stories Here
This article is a first for me. It’s not about jazz, but about our new partner sharing the old musicians’ union hall, the Good Luck Macbeth (GLM) theater group. GLM recently completed its first production, “The Royale”, at our shared building...If you are not familiar with GLM they have been presenting theater productions for ten years in Midtown and are strong supporters of the Midtown district.
Young Lions Take the Stage
Why is the RJO so committed to this event? The answer is simple. Jazz is joyous and we want to share that joy. Think of jazz founding father Louis Armstrong. He set the standard that lives on today. Of course, jazz imparts all the human emotions, but if there is one word to describe jazz I can’t think of a better one than joyous. The RJO wants to introduce our students to jazz and encourage them to learn it, love it, and create their own brand of jazz. That is how jazz stays vibrant and alive...
Jazz Returns to Midtown
It is thrilling that the performing arts are returning to the musicians’ hall and the RJO is looking forward to a long productive working relationship with Good Luck MacBeth (GLM) and one more shout out to Brian Egan for making this happen! I have to say Reno is still the biggest little city in America and my story today is just one of many proving the point.
Jazz for the Holidays – A Gospel Christmas
Every year the Reno Jazz Orchestra (RJO) loves to host a holiday concert celebrating friends, family, and community. We are pleased to announce Pat Ester’s Gospel Choir will rejoin us in “Jazz for the Holidays – A Gospel Christmas”. The performances are December 16th (7:30 PM), 17th (2:00 PM) at the Cargo Concert Hall in the Whitney Peak hotel, and 20th (7:00 PM) at Squaw Valley’s Olympic Village. Jazz and Gospel, like much of American music, have their roots in the blues. Both are joyful and when brought together a new, unforgettable, vibe happens that breaks the invisible barrier between audience and performer. Those who joined us last year know what I mean. It is an honor to work with Pat Ester’s Gospel choir under the direction of Lori Johnson. Since jazz musicians and gospel singers rarely get a chance to join forces, this program is very special.
The Difference Between Jazz Big Band & Orchestra
I always thought that a big band was primarily a swing era dance band and as bandleaders like Duke Ellington and Count Basie explored new sounds they moved from the dance hall to the concert hall and the jazz orchestra was born. It turns out jazz orchestras date back to the early jazz of the 1920s...
FTLOJ - For the Love of Jazz
For the Love of Jazz (FTLOJ) is northern Nevada’s jazz go to organization to find and enjoy your favorite jazz. Founded in 1974, FTLOJ was and always will be a labor of love for the members who support and organize jazz events. ... I had the pleasure of speaking with the current president Scot Marshall and one of its founders, Bill Filter. Here is what I found out.
Jazz Goes Back to School
The Reno Jazz Orchestra enjoyed a wonderful summer of jazz performances, the Labor Day weekend has passed, and the balloons have left Rancho San Rafael so it must be time for jazz to head back to school with the RJO’s fall mentor program. First maybe I should refresh your memories on what our mentor program provides. Through generous grants and donations, the RJO brings jazz professionals to select schools in Washoe County to work with middle and high school jazz bands for the semester at no cost to the participating schools and students. So how does this work?
The Art of Song - An Evening with Denise Donatelli
Jazz has had a long love affair with the song. All styles of American music from Tin Pan Alley and Broadway to rock, soul, blues, and country all find their way into the jazz lexicon. Jazz musicians and vocalists thrive on choosing songs and then personalizing that song with new interpretations... This Labor Day weekend the Reno Jazz Orchestra celebrates the art the American song through jazz “eyes” with Grammy nominated vocalist Denise Donatelli.
Roots in the Blues
Great singers bring the blues to life and we are blessed with great vocal talent in the Reno-Tahoe area. It is a thrill that five of my favorite local singers are joining us for this upcoming concert. Some have performed with us several times and some are joining us for the first time so let me introduce them to you.
Thank You Reno For 20 Great Years...
Over the last year I have been highlighting Reno’s jazz community from jazz professionals to student big band jazz to the Reno Jazz Festival. Today’s article is about the Reno Jazz Orchestra (RJO) because this year we are twenty years old. Those in the orchestra who have been a part since its inception in 1997 have been privileged to provide our community great big band performances. We are honored that our community has been there to support us. Thank you Reno, let’s do twenty more! But first let me give you a little of our past...
RJO Old Friends Hans Halt and Bill Hecht
It is time to feature two old friends in my jazz world. I have had the pleasure of working with Hans Halt and Bill Hecht for over thirty years (I can’t believe I just wrote that!) in a number of different jazz settings.
Brand New Day by Chuck Reider
Jazz is in the moment and each soloist tells their story through their improvised solo. Every generation of jazz musicians develops their own “voice” to tell their story bringing a brand new day keeping jazz vibrant and alive. With that in mind I want to introduce three jazz educators who are helping students find that voice and propel jazz into new frontiers. The Reno Jazz Orchestra (RJO), through our generous sponsors, provide a jazz education program at no cost to participating students or schools.
Jazz- The Moment When the Journey Begins
The Reno Jazz Orchestra (RJO) hosted our annual Jazz in the Schools last month. It was a full day of student performances and clinics on Saturday 2/11 followed the next day by a memorable performance by sax great Tom Scott and the RJO. But if you are a young jazz musician with the desire to take the next step and maybe even play jazz professionally, what is your path? Every jazz generation must forge their own path to meet new challenges. So this article highlights three local musicians who created their path and are passionate about helping the next generation create theirs.
Sizzling Summer Coming for 2017
Jazz, rock, funk, soul, gospel all have roots in the blues and this summer the RJO brings it all together with their 17-piece live big band performing “Roots in the Blues” and “An Evening with Denise Donatelli” throughout Reno and Lake Tahoe.
Jazz Combo Clinician Receives Artist Fellowship
Hans Halt has been participating as a Jazz Combo Clinician for the RJO's Jazz in the Schools for several years. Hans recently received an Artist Fellowship from the Nevada Arts Council.
Young Lions: Jazz in the Schools 2017
It is a tradition in jazz to call up and coming stars of jazz “young lions” and on Saturday February 11th you will have a chance to meet the young lions of our community.
Jazz in the Schools Director Andy Heglund
Thanks to our percussionist Andy Heglund's direction, this year's Jazz in the Schools event at UNR was a wonderful success. Andy's dedication to music education is truly an inspiration to us all.
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