From the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chuck Reider — President
Chuck has been a professional trombonist for over forty years, starting his career in San Francisco where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in music from San Francisco State University. He moved to the Reno-Tahoe area in 1978 where he played his first casino gig at the Cal-Neva which featured Johnny Ray and a new upcoming comedian Jay Leno.
As a showroom musician, he performed with all the great entertainers from Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. to Diana Ross and Willie Nelson. He has performed with the Reno Philharmonic since 1984 which included two performances with the great Pavarotti. Chuck is a founding member of the Reno Jazz Orchestra and became the Music Director in 2006, leading the Orchestra for nearly two decades. Music is Chuck's passion, and he is committed to the RJO’s Mission bringing our community world-class big band performances and motivating the next generation of jazz musicians through the RJO education program.
Vernon Scarbrough — Executive Director
Colonel (Retired) Vernon Scarbrough spent most of his life in the Reno-Sparks area,
attending local schools. It was in the Washoe County School District that he learned his
craft as a musician, with an emphasis on the saxophone.
Vern graduated with a Bachelor of Music with a minor in Music Education from one of the country's most prestigious jazz colleges, the University of North Texas. He received his Master's Degree in Fine Arts, Music Education from Southern Oregon University and earned an additional Master's Degree in Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College.
Vern taught band in the Washoe County School District for twenty-one years, the last three years at Billinghurst Middle School.
In addition to serving as the Music Director of the Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra, Vern served 34 years in the Nevada Army National Guard, commanded the 17th Sustainment Brigade on deployment in the Middle East in 2016, and retired as a Colonel in 2017.
Vernon and his wife, Karen, co-founded the Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra in 2006 which is now part of the RJO family.
They reside in Reno with their two children and three Schnauzers.
- Andrew Woodard — Secretary
- Scott Thunder — Treasurer
- Dallas Smith
- Vernon Scarbrough
- Mike Eardley
- Linda Newberg
- Scot Marshall
- Joe Gorman
- Matt Booher
Staff and Associates
- Vernon Scarbrough, Executive Director — vernon.scarbrough@renojazzorchestra.org
- Chuck Reider, President — chuck.reider@renojazzorchestra.org
- Greg Johnson, Music Director — greg.johnson@renojazzorchestra.org
- Lee Koch, Marketing / Development Director — lee.koch@renojazzorchestra.org
- Diana Stewart, Event Manager — diana@renojazzorchestra.org
- Danne Polk, Web Master / Graphic Design — danne.polk@renojazzorchestra.org
- Nichole Heglund, Education Director — nichole.heglund@renojazzorchestra.org
- Alana Ridge, Social Media Manager — alana@renojazzorchestra.org
- Vernon Scarbrough, Library and House Manager — vernon.scarbrough@renojazzorchestra.org
Mailing Address
2590 Orovada Street
Reno, NV 89512
Phone, Email, Website
775-372-6160
info@renojazzorchestra.org
renojazzorchestra.org
Share Your Time - Volunteer!
Volunteers are vital to the Reno Jazz Orchestra. The RJO relies on donations of time to strengthen our organization and to endure our many events run smoothly. Opportunities exist to assist with performances and special events throughout the year in Reno, Tahoe and Northern Nevada.
Interested in becoming a volunteer? Call or email now to join our pool of volunteers. Contact Lee Koch, our Special Events Director at 775-372-6160 or email Lee at lee.koch@renojazzorchestra.org.