RJO Blog

by Nichole Heglund (Guest Writer)

In 2015, I had the privilege of serving as a jazz instructor for the Reno Jazz Orchestra's mentor program. As a band director myself, I was familiar with the outstanding work the RJO had been doing in our local schools, as my students and I had benefited from the mentor program. We were fortunate to have talented RJO musicians such as Larry Engstrom and Hans Halt visit our classroom, significantly enhancing our jazz band's knowledge and technique within just a few months.

Ten years ago at the 2013 Reno Jazz Orchestra board retreat, I brought forward the need for succession in case something happened to me. I am happy to say I am still here, but much has changed in the RJO thanks to the hard work of the board, staff, and band. Since this is the season of thanks and sharing, I want to give a shoutout to all the folks who are the RJO.  ...

The Reno Jazz Orchestra (RJO) will perform Duke Ellington's Such Sweet Thunder November 11 and 12 at the Good Luck Macbeth Theatre Company. These performances celebrate and are a tribute to long time RJO mentor Jim Kidder. In fact, it was Kidder's idea to produce Such Sweet Thunder. . .

The Reno Jazz Orchestra (RJO) just finished two fantastic concerts featuring saxophonist Tom Scott. Scott began his legendary career as a sideman on many albums before recording under his own name. Becoming a professional musician requires not only skill, but dedication and motivation to put in the work. Musicians honing their craft will practice four to eight hours a day and will continue to practice every day while working as a musician. Have you seen the documentary “Twenty-Five Feet From Stardom” about singers backing up the stars? I think it is time for you to meet the exceptional musicians of the RJO and this blog is the start.

Because I am filling in for my good friend, monthly columnist Chuck Reider, let me introduce myself. My name is Dallas Smith. I’ve resided in Reno with my wife, Susan Mazer, since 1994. I am a woodwinds player (flute, clarinet, and saxophone) and a longtime member of the Reno Jazz Orchestra. ..

I don’t think the Reno Jazz Orchestra (RJO) could have picked a better program name featuring the music of Tina Turner and Stevie Wonder. Join us at Wingfield Park July 30th at 7:30pm for our Artown performance. If you dig it, join us at Sand Harbor for the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival Monday Night Music Series August 1. There are only a few tickets left for this one, so be quick!

John Bennum has been a welcome addition to the Reno Jazz Orchestra (RJO) since joining the trombone section in 2017. In 2019 he became my assistant executive director and as I moved to the board president position, the board of directors enthusiastically recommended him to be promoted to executive director. This month I want you all to meet John.

It is my pleasure to introduce you to Doug Coomler as our new Music Director and let you know more about him. Though he has performed with the orchestra on the tenor sax since 1999, Coomler recently took the helm of the Reno Jazz Orchestra to move us musically forward.

The other day I was in line at a local coffee shop and the barista that day was Miguel Jimenez, a talented drummer who has worked with the RJO. This set me thinking. How does this generation of jazz musicians (actually musicians in general) make a living and continue to practice “their trade?” With this in mind, I want to introduce you to two gifted local musicians: Miguel Jimenez-Cruz and Zack Teran...

After a two-year COVID hiatus, the Reno Jazz Festival returns April 28th – 30th, 2022, both virtually and in-person on the campus of the University of Nevada, Reno. This is truly a Reno iconic event and I encourage all of you to attend the 60th year!