THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chuck Reider, President

Chuck Reider - PresidentChuck has been a professional trombonist for over forty years, starting his career in San Francisco where he received a Bachelor's Degree in music from San Francisco State University. He moved to the Reno-Tahoe area in 1978 where he played his first casino gig at the Cal-Neva which featured Johnny Ray and a new upcoming comedian Jay Leno.

As a showroom musician, he performed with all the great entertainers from Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. to Diana Ross and Willie Nelson. He has performed with the Reno Philharmonic since 1984 which included two performances with the great Pavarotti. Chuck is a founding member of the Reno Jazz Orchestra and became the Music Director in 2006, leading the Orchestra for nearly two decades. Music is Chuck's passion, and he is committed to the RJO's Mission bringing our community world-class big band performances and motivating the next generation of jazz musicians through the RJO education program.

Vernon Scarbrough, Executive Director

Vernon Scarbrough — Executive DirectorColonel (Retired) Vernon Scarbrough spent most of his life in the Reno-Sparks area, attending local schools. It was in the Washoe County School District that he learned his craft as a musician, with an emphasis on the saxophone.

Vern graduated with a Bachelor of Music with a minor in Music Education from one of the country's most prestigious jazz colleges, the University of North Texas. He received his Master's Degree in Fine Arts, Music Education from Southern Oregon University and earned an additional Master's Degree in Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College.

Vern taught band in the Washoe County School District for twenty-one years, the last three years at Billinghurst Middle School.

In addition to serving as the Music Director of the Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra, Vern served 34 years in the Nevada Army National Guard, commanded the 17th Sustainment Brigade on deployment in the Middle East in 2016, and retired as a Colonel in 2017.

Vernon and his wife, Karen, co-founded the Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra in 2006 which is now part of the RJO family. They reside in Reno with their two children and three Schnauzers.

Staff and Associates