RJO Blog

Jazz is in the moment and each soloist tells their story through their improvised solo.  Every generation of jazz musicians develops their own “voice” to tell their story bringing a brand new day keeping jazz vibrant and alive.  With that in mind I want to introduce three jazz educators who are helping students find that voice and propel jazz into new frontiers.  The Reno Jazz Orchestra (RJO), through our generous sponsors, provide a jazz education program at no cost to participating students or schools.

The Reno Jazz Orchestra (RJO) hosted our annual Jazz in the Schools last month.  It was a full day of student performances and clinics on Saturday 2/11 followed the next day by a memorable performance by sax great Tom Scott and the RJO.  But if you are a young jazz musician with the desire to take the next step and maybe even play jazz professionally, what is your path?  Every jazz generation must forge their own path to meet new challenges. So this article highlights three local musicians who created their path and are passionate about helping the next generation create theirs.

Jazz, rock, funk, soul, gospel all have roots in the blues and this summer the RJO brings it all together with their 17-piece live big band performing “Roots in the Blues” and “An Evening with Denise Donatelli” throughout Reno and Lake Tahoe.

Hans Halt has been participating as a Jazz Combo Clinician for the RJO's Jazz in the Schools for several years. Hans recently received an Artist Fellowship from the Nevada Arts Council.

It is a tradition in jazz to call up and coming stars of jazz “young lions” and on Saturday February 11^th you will have a chance to meet the young lions of our community.  

Thanks to our percussionist Andy Heglund's direction, this year's Jazz in the Schools event at UNR was a wonderful success. Andy's dedication to music education is truly an inspiration to us all.