The Reno Jazz Orchestra
Seventeen musicians, one of the finest big bands in the West.
What's coming up
All events
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It's Time to Audition!
The Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra welcomes 6th-12th grade musicians to audition. This year we will have 2 groups: Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra 1 and Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra 2.
Auditions will be held September 21st-25th at the Note Able Therapy Services building from 5pm-8pm each day.
Audition Fee: $10By participating in RYJO groups, students learn teamwork, preparation, dedication, performance techniques, professionalism, ear training, improvisation and the jazz tradition. Students also build community while working with students from other schools. Find out more at the RYJO Homepage.
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RJO Music Director
Greg Johnson
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.
Greg Johnson’s website features his "Pro Series" which delivers challenging, playable big‑band charts that are meticulously engraved for clarity.
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Discover Jazz Workshop
The Discover Jazz Workshop
taught by Dylan Coleman-Tunstall and guest instructors
Eight Saturday morning sessions: 09/26/2026 - 11/14/2026In 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 will be two live performances.
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RYJO Music Director
Nichole Heglund
Nichole Heglund is a leading music educator and musician in Northern Nevada and California. Since moving to Reno in 2003, she has taught jazz ensembles, bands, and choirs at several schools and now teaches at Verdi and Veterans Elementary.
She became Education Director for the Reno Jazz Orchestra in 2019 and now directs the Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra and Sapphire Jazz Ensemble. A saxophonist, guest conductor, and clinician, she holds degrees from UNC and UNR and lives in Reno with her husband, Andrew, and their two sons.
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Our Fans Inspire Us!
The RJO Fan Club
Joining the Reno Jazz Orchestra Fan Club is easy—just share your name and email to stay connected. You’ll receive updates on upcoming performances, special events, and community initiatives. We value your privacy and promise to keep your information secure. Expect only timely reminders about the exceptional music and experiences you won’t want to miss, ensuring you always have a front‑row seat to the magic of the RJO.
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Education Director
Dr. David Brennan
Dr. David Brennan, a woodwind specialist and new member of the Reno Jazz Orchestra, is committed to giving back after years of mentorship. As Education Director, he shares his experience to help young musicians grow. He believes jazz is a bold, beautiful art form that demands respect for its lineage and the written music, calling musicians to unite in creating moments that challenge the mind and inspire awe.
From the orchestra
All articlesAbout the Reno Jazz Orchestra
The Reno Jazz Orchestra has been based in Northern Nevada for over 25 years and was formed by musicians who performed and traveled the world with acts such as Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Elvis Presley, Natalie Cole, Luciano Pavarotti and other legendary performers. The tradition of jazz excellence set by the founders continues today with jazz professors, educators and graduates from the University of Nevada, Reno, jazz studies program setting new performance standards.
The EL Cord Foundation, Nevada Arts Council, National Endowment for the Arts, Art Works, Thunder Rand & Co., Tanglewood Productions, City of Reno, Music, Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation, J Resort, GPS Wealth Advisors and the RJO Circle of Friends, Band Partners and Band Fans support the Reno Jazz Orchestra.