The RJO's Mentor Program

Larry Engstrom

THE RENO JAZZ ORCHESTRA IS DEDICATED TO JAZZ MUSIC EDUCATION

Larry Engstrom

Dr. Larry Engstrom is the former Director of the School of Arts at the University of Nevada, Reno, where he administered the activities of the School’s three departments: Music, Theater/Dance, and Art. Early in Engstrom’s career at the University, he began adding classes such as jazz improvisation, jazz history, and jazz arrangement, all of which he initially taught. His vision, creativity, and drive established the University’s Program in Jazz & Improvisational Music. The nationally recognized program, highly sought after by students and faculty, encourages new approaches to performance, composition, and scholarship while providing solid grounding in the music's rich past.

In 1991, Engstrom took the reins of the Reno Jazz Festival and was instrumental in growing attendance from 60 bands to over 300, establishing the Festival as a nationally recognized and celebrated event, lauded by The San Francisco Chronicle as, “showcasing music’s future."

In addition, Dr. Engstrom is an extraordinary performer. He has performed in venues across the U.S., served as Principal Trumpet for the Reno Philharmonic, recorded five albums, and performed for more than 20 years in the Reno Jazz Orchestra and the University’s faculty ensemble The Collective. (Read More about Larry.)