RJO Blog

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... 

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? 

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. 

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... 

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.

Today's article focuses on the "new". Two trumpet players and a first time Reno Jazz Orchestra (RJO) performance in Minden...

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.

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...

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...

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 13^th 7:30 pm and December 14^th 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.