A Great Summer and onto a Great Fall

Published September 4, 2026

A Great Summer and onto a Great Fall

by Chuck Reider

The Reno Jazz Orchestra’s (RJO) summer concert series is in the books and what great concerts they were. Matt Mauser returned by popular request and electrified the audiences at the Hawkins Amphitheater July 26 and Sand Harbor July 27 with “Trekkin’ Tahoe: A Jazz/Rock Odyssey.” His ability to engage the audience got everyone off their seats and rockin’. 

 

August 14 the RJO opened Carson City’s Jazz and Beyond festival at the governor’s mansion. The festival launched in August of 2004 and we have performed every year. Twenty-two years!

Unfortunately, our August 23 George Benson tribute concert was canceled due to the Hawk Fire, but on August 24 at Sand Harbor the concert was a sell out! Guest artists vocalist Kyle Rea and guitarists Colin Cook took the audience on a joyous journey celebrating George Benson. Under the direction of RJO music Director Greg Johnson, the concert was a huge success. FYI, Johnson arranged all the material for the Mauser and Benson concerts. A lot of work that paid off!

The RJO’s next concert, “Divas of Jazz,” is the Q series kick off concert October 11. We are not resting on our laurels until then as our education programs start in September and with the help of donors and grantors here is what is in store:

The Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra (RYJO) kicks off its 21^st season in November, under the direction of Nichole Heglund. The Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra welcomes 6^th–12^th grade musicians to audition. This year we will have three groups: Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra 1 and Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra 2 and a jazz combo.  Following a memorable 20^th season marked by a performance in New Orleans and a recording session with Tanglewood Studios, RYJO is ready for another outstanding year. Preparations begin with auditions held September 21–25 at Note-Able Music Therapy Services. Registration details and audition materials are now available on our website: renojazzorchestra.org/education.

To help students prepare, RYJO will host a pre-audition workshop on Tuesday, September 8 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Billinghurst Middle School. Local jazz educators will lead small-group coaching sessions focused on the audition music. The workshop also offers students and families an opportunity to learn more about RYJO and our RJO education programs.

 

RJO’s Discover Jazz Workshop sessions kick off September 26 are taught by Dylan Coleman-Tunstall and guest instructors. In this 8-week program, students work on rhythmic exercises, ear training, jazz tunes, listening, improvisation, and chords and scales. These important skills will set them up for success for their school ensembles and open them up to opportunities to audition for local honor groups or the Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra. The culminating project is two performances November 14 and 15. Here is the link to register your student: https://renojazzorchestra.org/education/discover-jazz-workshop 

The RJO mentor program is also starting in September. Band directors work with our education director David Brennan to enlist two dedicated RJO mentors per school to join rehearsals for a total of eight enriching sessions per semester. Our experienced musicians offer personalized feedback, guide students in the art of improvisation, refine essential techniques, and provide crucial instrument-specific coaching. 

 

For schools who do not have a jazz band we initiated the RJO’s lessons program.  We enlist the expertise of highly qualified instructors who are either experienced music educators or aspiring music education majors. These dedicated individuals work closely with band directors to tailor the lessons to each student's unique needs and goals. 

For more info visit https://renojazzorchestra.org/ and click on the Education tab.

Our newest partner, The Sapphire Jazz Ensemble, is the brainchild of Nichole Heglund. The Sapphire Jazz Ensemble empowers women in music through performance, education, and mentorship. By collaborating with nationally recognized jazz artists and creating a supportive, inclusive culture, they aim to inspire the next generation of young women to take the stage, amplify their voices, and to keep playing.

Every year Sapphire holds an open rehearsal for musicians of all ages to come and play or just observe. This year it will be held on Monday, September 14 at 6:30-8:30pm at Note-Able Music Therapy Services 2590 Orovada St. They do have openings in the group and are actively looking to fill the following chairs: trumpet, drums/percussion, and guitar. Additionally, we would like to add names to our substitute list.  Please email sapphire.jazz.reno@gmail.com to reserve your spot at the open rehearsal. You can also catch their next performance at the Reno Little Theater on Sunday, November 22nd at 7pm as part of the For the Love of Jazz series.

We are thrilled to be their partner and encourage more women to learn and love jazz. Under the wing of the RJO they can accept donations. To learn more visit Sapphire’s website https://sapphirejazz.com/

The RJO is proud to offer all our education programs. We love jazz and want to share that love and inspire the next generation to create their own jazz.

Chuck Reider is the the President of the Reno Jazz Orchestra.

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