The Reno Jazz Orchestra (RJO) recently concluded its successful Music Director Search Series, a four-concert showcase that put talented conductors in the spotlight. Each conductor was vying for the prestigious role of Music Director, and after a series of impressive performances, the winner has been chosen: Greg Johnson!

The series provided a unique platform for the Reno community. Audience members enjoyed the diverse talents on display, while their feedback, along with that of the musicians and search committee, played a crucial role in selecting the new leader for the RJO. Congratulations to Greg Johnson, and here's to a bright future for the orchestra under his direction!

Read the recent Greg Johnson interview by Reno News & Review writer, Matt King.

Singing with the vigor of Ella Fitzgerald and playing the tenor saxophone with a hint of Joe Henderson and Dexter Gordon, Camille Thurman joins the 17-piece Reno Jazz Orchestra for an extraordinary concert under the stars on the shore of Lake Tahoe. Known as an invigorating and inventive rising star, Camille's exceptional talent as a composer, multi-instrumentalist, unique interpreter, and impressive vocalist/scatter will exhilarate Sand Harbor audiences in a captivating, must-see, concert.

Her accolades read like a superstar:

• NPR - All Things Considered - "Camille Thurman is a Rare Jazz Double Threat"
• SFJAZZ.com - On The Corner - "One of the 10 Rising Instrumentalists You Should Know"
• NAACP - Image Award - "Waiting for the Sunrise: Outstanding Jazz Album"
• Independent Music Award - "2019 Winner"

Performance in Reno
August 25, 2024 at 4:00 PM

Nightingale Concert Hall, UNR

Camille Thurman and the RJO will present an afternoon concert at the University of Nevada, Reno.

August 26, 2024 at 7:30PM

Performing on the Warren Edward Trepp Stage
Sand Harbor at Lake Tahoe State Park.
Single Tickets: $32-$105
Tables: $220-$440 (Tables seat 2 or 4.)

This weekend the Reno Jazz Orchestra (RJO) will present Fuego on July 20 in Reno's Wingfield Park and again July 22 in the Warren Edward Trepp stage at Sand Harbor. My last blog I shared my love for Latin music and gave you background on the music and those that made it flourish in America. Today let me introduce to you the artists joining the 17-piece RJO and the material we will be performing. . .

Fourth quarter, 2022, was an exciting time for the RJO, as we merged the Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra into our organization.

RYJO is the vehicle for big band jazz ensemble experience for local middle and high school musicians. The orchestra performs throughout the Northern Nevada and Northern California area, offering, on average, twelve performances during their nine-month season.

The orchestra was established in 2006, co-founded by Vernon Scarbrough and Karen Scarbrough. Vernon continues to be the Orchestra's Music Director, and Karen, the Director of Programs and Development.

Be sure to save the dates for this year's performance schedule. These young musicians are talented and dedicated; their music is awesome.

We are thrilled to announce that we are rolling out RJO's sixth CD for purchase at our summer concerts! And, we send a heartfelt thank you to Mike Eardley of Tanglewood Productions for his creative mixing, editing and mastering of the original music by members of the RJO.

Can't wait for the CD?

• Preview the Album on Apple Music
• Download the MP3 at Amazon

As a Legacy Society member, your passion, support, and dedication to our organization and fans worldwide will be forever treasured. With your commitment to create your personal legacy for the Reno Jazz Orchestra, you will sustain that extraordinary legacy of music and education that we are honored to share with our fans and community as well.

Our mission is to build a greater appreciation of jazz in Northern Nevada by providing outstanding big band performances, promoting the artistry of Reno Jazz Orchestra musicians through a variety of ensembles, and supporting jazz education through a mentorship program in middle schools, high schools, and colleges. All combined, we contribute to the vibrancy, diversity, cultural vitality, and quality of our community’s artistic life.

Stay in touch with the RJO by joining the RJO Fan Club. All we need is your name and your email address. We'll keep you informed about upcoming performances, events, and our plans for the future. We promise, we won't give your info to anyone outside our organization, and we won't fill your in-box with countless emails, but we will remind you of great music you won't want to miss.