The QSeries returns! Purchasing the two-concert package for the remaining concerts in the Series offers a truly immersive and comprehensive musical experience, allowing you to appreciate the full artistic range and unique journey presented across both performances. It's a great way to guarantee you won't miss any part of the Orchestra's exceptional programming.
Continuing the Quintessence Music Series, this concert explores the remarkable 100-year history of Big Band music's growth and evolution. Join the Reno Jazz Orchestra, directed by Greg Johnson, with special guest trumpeter, Mike Rocha, as they curate this musical journey, sharing their deep expertise and passion for the art of the big band.
The Quintessence Music Series presents its third installment: 'An Afternoon of Romance - The Al Jarreau Project.' This special Mother's Day event features Nicolas Bearde joining the RJO to celebrate a legend who effortlessly blended jazz, pop, and R&B, performing timeless classics such as 'We Got By,' 'We're in This Love Together,' and 'Spain.'
The Reno Jazz Orchestra and the University of Nevada, Reno School of Music are proud to present the annual Jazz in the Schools clinical event at Nightingale Concert Hall and Hall Recital Hall. This year's celebration of jazz education features an elite lineup of guests, including Grammy nominee Sara Caswell, Midwest Clinic Medal of Honor recipient Antonio J. García, and acclaimed saxophonist Dr. Greg Johnson, performing alongside UNR jazz faculty Dr. Josh D. Reed and Dr. Andrew Heglund. We invite students, educators, and fans to join us for a day of world-class clinics and performances designed to inspire the next generation of Nevada's jazz talent.
The Governing Board of the Reno Jazz Orchestra is deeply honored to receive the prestigious 100% Giving Board Award from The Nevada Fund for 2025. This recognition is a powerful testament to the board's unwavering commitment to the RJO's mission and the community. The award specifically acknowledges their comprehensive support, including the generous donation of their time, expertise, and financial contributions.
Dr. Greg Johnson is an emerging force in jazz, recognized for his distinctive saxophone sound and diverse compositional style spanning jazz, classical, and popular music. As a sought-after saxophonist, he has performed with jazz legends and toured with major pop and rock artists, appearing on over 40 recordings. Now, the Reno Jazz Orchestra has appointed him as their new Music Director.
Originally from Denver, Colorado, Nichole Heglund moved to Reno in 2003 and has since become the new Music Director of The Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra. A dedicated music educator, she has taught at various Reno schools and currently teaches at Verdi and Veterans Elementary. She holds degrees from the University of Northern Colorado and the University of Nevada, Reno. We welcome Nichole as the RYJO's Music Director.
The Reno music community lost a vibrant, inventive, and personable member last month. Bill Hecht gave us memorable piano performances either soloing or as part of an ensemble. He was a keyboardist, composer, arranger, and technical music wizard. But most importantly Bill was a pleasure to work with both on and off the stage. His career was diverse performing with the Harrah's Reno orchestra, touring with Englebert Humperdinck, countless jazz combos, and singing with both the Reno Phil and Nevada Opera choruses. He joined the RJO in 2006 and was a valued musician. His ears helped guide many of our recordings. We miss his wit, his talents, his comradeship and we will always love him madly.
Friends, collegues, and fellow musicians share their thoughts about Bill.
2025 was an exciting year for the Reno Jazz Orchestra (RJO): a full year under the direction of music director Greg Johnson, full houses for our concerts featuring guest artists Matt Mauser and Morgan James, and our robust education program featuring the Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra (RYJO) are all a reflection of the community's support.
As a cherished member of our Legacy Society, your deep-seated passion for the Reno Jazz Orchestra, your unwavering support of our mission, and your profound dedication to the power of music will be forever treasured and remembered within our organization and the wider community we serve. By making the thoughtful commitment to create your personal legacy through a planned gift to the Reno Jazz Orchestra, you are not merely leaving a bequest; you are actively ensuring the long-term vitality and continuation of that extraordinary legacy of vibrant music, engaging educational programs, and enriching cultural experiences that we are so deeply honored to share with our devoted fans and the Reno community for generations to come. Your vision and generosity will resonate through every note played and every student inspired, solidifying your place as a vital architect of our future.
Connecting with the Reno Jazz Orchestra and becoming a vital part of our musical family is easy - simply join the RJO Fan Club! All we need to keep you in the loop is your name and your preferred email address. By joining, you'll be among the first to receive updates about our exciting upcoming performances, special events, and the unfolding plans we have for the future of the orchestra and our community engagement. Rest assured that your personal information is important to us; we promise to keep it secure within our organization and will never share it with external parties. While we value your attention, we also respect your inbox, so you won't be inundated with countless emails. Instead, expect timely reminders of the exceptional music and unforgettable experiences you truly won't want to miss, ensuring you always have a front-row seat to the magic of the RJO.
