JAZZ IN THE SCHOOLS: February 7, 2026

THE RENO JAZZ ORCHESTRA IS A 501 (c)(3) NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION
Sponsors for the RJO's Education Programs City of Reno Nevada Arts Council National Endowment for the Arts E. L. Cord Foundation

Witness the future of jazz take center stage each February at UNR

Each February, the Reno Jazz Orchestra's annual Jazz in the Schools program offers an unparalleled opportunity for growth and inspiration. Over 300 aspiring middle and high school musicians from over a dozen school jazz bands immerse themselves in focused clinics led by experts. The day reaches its crescendo with a powerful large ensemble performance in the magnificent acoustics of UNR's Nightingale Concert Hall. More than just a program, this is a vital part of the RJO's commitment to education, igniting a love for jazz while preparing these young talents for the Reno Jazz Festival and connecting them with the vibrant musical community at UNR.

Be sure to bookmark this page for program updates.

Download Schedule & Clinician Fliers:

This year's event features an extraordinary assembly of world-class jazz talent, headlined by Grammy-nominated violinist Sara Caswell, a perennial DownBeat favorite and faculty member at Berklee and NYU, alongside Antonio J. García, a 2023 Midwest Clinic Medal of Honor recipient and renowned trombonist for legends like Ella Fitzgerald. Joining them are acclaimed saxophonist and Sacramento State professor Dr. Greg Johnson, whose work has earned multiple Grammy-ballot recognitions, and Dr. Josh D. Reed, an esteemed trumpeter and University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) professor who has shared the stage with jazz icons like Paquito D'Rivera. Completing this distinguished lineup is UNR percussion professor and composer Dr. Andrew Heglund, a veteran performer alongside greats such as Joe Lovano and Bobby Hutcherson. Together, these artists bring a prestigious blend of elite performance and academic excellence from the nation's top jazz programs to our stage.

Instructions for Band and Music Directors
NAfMe and PIZZA

The day would not be possible without the volunteers from UNR's NAfME chapter. They will be assisting us with the registration table, providing food for purchase and guiding groups throughout the day. NAfME will have pizza and snacks available for purchase from 10:30am to 2:00pm. Plan lunch with your group as your schedule permits. If you prefer to pre-order pizza ahead of time, you can email unrnafme@gmail.com.

Registration: Upon arrival at the Church Fine Arts Building, please check in with the registration desk located near the Virginia St. main entrance. The volunteers will connect you with your NAfME guide and give you a packet of information. If you bring music scores with you, they can deliver them to your clinician.

Case Storage: Please be sure to check with the registration desk upon arrival and they will direct you to the area where your students may store cases. While there is not a great solution, we hope to keep the hallways more organized than in previous years.

Clinic/Concert: Be sure to attend the Sara Caswell Clinic 11:45am -12:20pm. She will share her background learning jazz on the violin, her musical influences and the experience of being an atypical instrument in a jazz ensemble. There will also be time for Q&A. Sara will also be featured with the Reno Jazz Orchestra 12:30-1:00pm in Nightingale Concert Hall.

Equipment Provided

  • Drum Set + Cymbals**
  • Hardware
  • Bass Amp
  • Guitar Amp
  • Vibraphone
  • Piano
  • Congas

**If you provide your own cymbals, directors must oversee that all cymbals are replaced and that all wingnuts and felts are replaced before leaving the stage or clinic room.

Not Provided

  • Mallets/sticks
  • Patch cords

Please reach out if you have any additional equipment needs or questions. Email Nichole Heglund at nichole.heglund@renojazzorchestra.org