Concert Program

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Reno Jazz Orchestra
Greg Johnson, Music Director
Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra
Nichole Huglund, Music Director

Saturday, December 7, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Nightingale Concert Hall
Church Fine Arts
University of Nevada, Reno

The Musicians
Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra

Saxophone
- Nick Peterson, alto I
- Troy Moran, alto II
- Calvin Breen, tenor I
- Caiden Reitter, tenor II
- Bryce Lucas, tenor III
- Atticus Bush, baritone
Trombone
- Oliver Werth, trombone I
- Harrison Hasegawa, trombone II
- Gary Mayne, trombone III
- Ava Goodin, trombone IV

Trumpet
- Oscar Santti, trumpet I
- Gile McIntosh, trumpet II
- Ian Myler, trumpet III
Rhythm
- Kai Gogolewski, piano
- Reno Biondi, piano
- Joshua Myler, guitar
- Kio Ryan, cello
- Madeline Reese, bass
- Ciaran Phillips, bass
- Roan Stefani, drums/percussion
- Willemina Dukes, drums/percussion
Voice
- Ruby Woodward Meyer
- Emiliano Gomez Meza

The Musicians
Reno Jazz Orchestra

Saxophone
- Karl Busch, alto I
- Dallas Smith, alto II
- Jim Garaventa, tenor I
- Chris Clark, tenor II
- David Brennan, baritone
Trombone
- Gary Mayne, trombone I
- John Bennum, trombone II
- Scott Thunder, trombone III
- Eric Rodgers, bass trombone

Trumpet
- Josh Reed, trumpet I
- Ryan Thiele, trumpet II
- Jef Derderian, trumpet III
- Tony Cataldo, trumpet IV
Rhythm
- Kendell Hoopes, keyboards
- Scott Thunder, guitar
- Hans Halt, bass
- Andy Heglund, drums
- Cami Thompson, voice
- Kyle Rea, voice
- Whitney Myer, voice

Setlists

(Intermission will be announced)
Tunes to be selected from the following:

Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra

Big Dipper - Thad Jones
Slightly Out of Tune - arr. by Frank Mantooth
Lost Mind - George Stone
My Favorite Things - arr. by Michele Fernandez

Reno Jazz Orchestra

Angels We Have Heard On High - arr. Rich DeRosa
Christmas Medley - arr. Stan Kenton
You’re a Mean One, Señor Grinch - arr. Rick Hirsch
Little Drummer Boy - arr. Tom Kubis
Silent Night - arr. Tasche/Greg Johnson
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen - Gordon Goodwin
Jingle Bells - Sammy Nestico
Sugar Rum Cherry - Duke Ellington
I’ll Be Home For Christmas - Orch. Steven Feifke Kyle Rea
All I Want For Christmas is You - arr. Paul Murtha Whitney Myer
Merry Christmas Baby - arr. Oliver Nelson Kyle Rea
Christmas Song - Greg Johnson
Colors of Christmas - Cami Thompson

Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra

RYJO on Nightingale Concert Hall Stage

Established in 2006, the Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra (RYJO) is primarily comprised of two distinct ensembles, RYJO I and RYJO II, both serving as essential components of the Reno Jazz Orchestra's larger educational program, which aims to provide young people with music appreciation, ensemble experience, and cultural immersion in jazz. Membership in both groups is by audition. The advanced ensemble, RYJO I, is composed of the top middle and high school jazz musicians from the Reno-Sparks-Carson-Tahoe communities, focusing on challenging repertoire and offering a select combo for additional performances. In contrast, RYJO II serves as a vital stepping stone for younger or less experienced student musicians, providing a supportive environment where they can learn the core fundamentals of jazz before potentially moving into the advanced ensemble.

Our Vision: The Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra was established to prepare highly motivated middle and high school students for college scholarship opportunities. The program later expanded to include a second ensemble in 2011-2012 to introduce younger students to the core basics of jazz, and in 2017-2018, added the optional RYJO Combo for top players to gain small-group performance experience in the community.

Our Mission: Our mission is to assemble, by audition, the top middle and high school jazz talent in the Reno-Sparks-Carson-Tahoe communities in order to provide opportunities for the performance, preservation, appreciation, and study of jazz.

Visit the RYJO.

Nichole Heglund
RYJO Musical Director

Nichole Heglund is a prominent music educator and musician in Northern Nevada and California who moved to Reno from Denver in 2003. She has since taught a wide range of musical groups—including jazz ensembles, bands, and choirs— across several area schools. Currently, Nichole serves as the Music Director for the Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra and the new all-female Sapphire Jazz Ensemble, and has served as the Education Director for the Reno Jazz Orchestra. An active musician, she performs as a saxophonist and frequently serves as a guest conductor and clinician.

Congratulations for this year's successful auditions!

2026 WCSD Honor Jazz Band

Nick Peterson
Troy Moran
Bryce Lucas
Oscar SAntti
Gile McIntosh
Ian Myler
Harrison Hasegawa
Reno Biondi
Madeline Reese

2026 NV All State Jazz Band

Troy Moran
Gile McIntosh
Ian Myler
Reno Biondi

Reno Jazz Orchestra

RJO on Sand Harbor Tahoe Stage

The Reno Jazz Orchestra is a 17-piece contemporary big band in Northern Nevada. The band was formed in 1997 by musicians who performed with acts such as Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr. and Natalie Cole in the casino showroom orchestras. Currently, the band is comprised of highly skilled veteran musicians as well as graduates from the University of Nevada, Reno's jazz program. The Orchestra has recently featured such guest artists as Tom Scott, Kurt Elling, Patti Austin, Ernie Watts, and Dianne Schuur.

Our Vision: The RJO inspires, connects, and unites the community of northern Nevada and the region through locally produced professional jazz orchestra concerts and education programs.

Our Mission: We aim to build a greater appreciation of jazz in Northern Nevada by providing outstanding jazz orchestra concerts, promoting the artistry of Reno Jazz Orchestra musicians through a variety of performance opportunities, and by providing jazz education programs.

Visit renojazzorchestra.org

Greg Johnson
Musical Director

Dr. Greg Johnson is quickly becoming recognized as an important voice in the jazz community. His distinctive saxophone sound and compositional style has found its way into multiple genres of Jazz, Classical and Popular music.

As a saxophonist, Greg has appeared in concert and on over 40 mainstream recordings with jazz legends Curtis Fuller, Billy Taylor, Bob Mintzer and many more. He has toured and performed with notable Pop and Rock acts such as Saint Motel, Robin Thicke and Barry Manilow, Skip Martin, The Spinners, The O'Jays, Eddie Holman and Jim Peterik, at some of the biggest venues and festivals in the world.

Serving as Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies at Sacramento State, Greg has previously held positions at the University of Southern California, Marin School of the Arts and California State University Stanislaus. He has released ten recordings under his name and has contributed to dozens more. His recent work has appeared on the GRAMMY ballot in six categories for his albums "Philosopher's Path" and "Visions of Kansas City."

Visit gregjohnsonjazz.com

Guest Artists

Whitney Myer

Whitney Myer is a captivating soul singer blending R&B grooves with Rock ‘n’ Roll energy, influenced by artists like Prince and Björk. After her 2012 breakout on NBC’s The Voice, where all four judges vied for her, her career soared. Known for her electrifying stage presence and versatility as a songwriter, she has since performed at major festivals and shared stages with acts such as Fitz And The Tantrums.

Kyle Rea

Reno-native and University of Nevada alumnus, Kyle Rea is a singer, pianist, and bandleader who is a staple in the local jazz and vocal scene. A powerful, soulful tenor with a broad stylistic range, Rea studied opera, jazz, and piano at UNR. Since forming his own 25-piece orchestra, he has been headlining concerts for Reno’s Artown Festival and performing with the Reno Jazz Orchestra.

Cami Thompson

Kyle Rea
Cami Thompson is a world-renowned singer, actor, and bandleader with over 42 years of professional experience across 25 countries. Celebrated for her 4-octave voice, dazzling scat solos, and humorous stage presence, she seamlessly blends jazz, pop, and musical theater. Thompson, who has been compared to Ella Fitzgerald and Bette Midler, has released six solo albums and starred in over 50 musicals.

The Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra is headed to New Orleans!

Help the RYJO Hit a High Note at the Jazz Education Network Conference!

Let’s send the Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra on an amazing musical adventure to New Orleans! Our talented young musicians are thrilled to announce their upcoming trip to the Jazz Education Network (JEN) Conference in New Orleans in January 2026. This incredible opportunity will allow them to showcase their skills, learn from outstanding music teachers and jazz musicians, and experience the vibrant heart of jazz music in America. Traveling from the Biggest Little City to the Big Easy is a significant undertaking, and we’re reaching out to our amazing community of jazz fans for support. Your generous donations will directly help offset the cost of airfare and accommodations to ensure that every dedicated member of the RYJO can embark on this once-in-a-lifetime musical journey.

To help sponsor this event, use the QR code below, or go to renojazzorchestra.org/ryjo to find out more.

QR Code for donating to the NOLA project

Music from the RJO

Available on CD and Mp3

Next: New Directions

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.

Our CD is available for purchase here at the show.

Download at Amazon

New Music from Greg Johnson

Available on Mp3

Rick Hirsch- Alto Sax
Tony Peebles- Tenor Sax
Daniel Casares- Bari Sax
Kyle Athayde- Trumpet
Steve Roach- Trumpet
John Gove- Trombone
Omree Gal-Oz- Piano
Curtis Aikens- Bass
Michael Henning- Drums

Score supervisor- Matt Verpleatse
Producer- Richard Leiter
Recording, Mixing and Mastering- Jeff Kolhede
Recorded at 25th Street Studios, Oakland CA
Album Art: Christina Obligar

Download at Amazon

Upcoming RJO Concerts
Quintessence Music Series

March 8, 2026 at 4:00 pm
The Art of Big Band
featuring Mike Rocha
Nightingale Concert Hall
University of Nevada, Reno

Joining RJO Music Director Greg Johnson to curate and share the 100-year history and evolution of the Big Band is four-time Grammy-nominated and internationally renowned trumpeter and expert arranger, Mike Rocha. Known for his professional excellence and charismatic presence across musical enterprises—from orchestral settings and film appearances to jazz orchestras and costumed stage performances—Mike is a powerful force in modern music. While he performs with countless ensembles, he is most noted for his work with the Lappitt-Rocha Septet (who recently released their debut album, First Take), and his collaborations with major artists including Christina Aguilera, Bob Dylan, Lorde, Panic! at the Disco, Trisha Yearwood, Idina Menzel, Alfie Boe, and Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band.

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

May 10, 2026 at 4:00 pm
An Afternoon of Romance
The Al Jarreau Project
featuring Nicolas Bearde
Nightingale Concert Hall
University of Nevada, Reno

For this special Mother's Day performance, the RJO will feature award-winning recording artist, singer-songwriter, actor, and educator Nicolas Bearde, presenting a compelling exploration of Al Jarreau's iconic music, including hits like "We Got By," "We're in This Love Together," and "Spain." With a career spanning over 35 years, Bearde is celebrated internationally for his "velvet voice," wit, and engaging rapport, drawing comparisons to artists like Lou Rawls, Nat King Cole, and Bill Withers. A seasoned solo artist who headlines venues globally, Bearde previously joined the RJO on stage last year for "The Legends of Jazz."

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

THE RJO STAFF AND ASSOCIATES

Vernon Scarbrough, Executive Director — vernon.scarbrough@renojazzorchestra.org
Chuck Reider, President — chuck.reider@renojazzorchestra.org
Greg Johnson, Music Director — greg.johnson@renojazzorchestra.org
Lee Koch, Marketing / Development Director — lee.koch@renojazzorchestra.org
Diana Stewart, Event Manager — diana@renojazzorchestra.org
Danne Polk, Web Master / Graphic Design — danne.polk@renojazzorchestra.org
Nichole Heglund, Education Director — nichole.heglund@renojazzorchestra.org
Alana Ridge, Social Media Manager — alana@renojazzorchestra.org
Vernon Scarbrough, Library and House Manager — vernon.scarbrough@renojazzorchestra.org

We Thank Our Corporate Sponsors
and Industry Partners

For more information about our Corporate Sponsor benefits, please contact Lee Weber Koch, Marketing & Development Director.

Contact Lee Koch

This program has been funded, in part, by the Nevada Arts Council, a state agency, and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.

We Thank Our Supporting Members

Thank you to our audience of friends, fans, partners, corporate donors, board members, volunteers, and musicians for helping to make this music possible. We especially appreciate everyone who donated this past year.

RJO Diamond Donors
$20,000 + Donations
- Anonymous
- Anonymous
- Susan Mazer and Dallas Smith
- Walters Family Trust
RJO Emerald Donors
$10,000 - $19,999
- Sandra Cath and David Contis
- Lana and Stephen Hardy
- Christine and Parky May
- Eleanor and Richard Preger
- Candy and Chuck Reider
- Julie and Craig Rauchle
- John Snow Foundation
- Ursula and Richard Tracy
RJO Crystal Donors
$5,000 - $9,999
- Cindy and Chuck Bluth
- Mike and Catherine Eardley
- Jean and Maurice Heley
- Alicia and Jim House
- Janet and Monte Klein Family Foundation
- Jane and Jim Nichols
- Mary Anna Replogle
- Baiba and Ainars Rodins
- Seminetta Family Foundation
- Linda and King Won - in Honor of Sue Ying Fong
RJO Bronze Donors
$1,000 - $4,999
- Cynthia and Calvin Albright
- Suzanne and Matthew Booher
- Thomas Brown
- Don Coppa
- Patty Engels and Dick Medland
- Ruthie and Jim Garaventa
- Lauren and Joe Gorman
- Susan Wyman and Victor Henney
- Mary Ann and James Kidder
- Ginnie Kersey
- Martha and Bruce MacKay
- Deanna Nelson
- Nancy Rose
- Jennifer Stern
- Lois and Robert Strejc
- Scott Thunder
- Timothy Young

Help us Invest in Music Education

If you are looking for ways to offer support, please consider the RJO's Education Programs.

students on stage playing music

Our mission is to build a greater appreciation of jazz in Northern Nevada by providing outstanding big band performances and supporting jazz education programs throughout Northern Nevada and California.

With your support and sponsorship, we can continue to inspire the next generation through these “free to the students” RJO education programs.

Four Days in January, 2026!

Help Support the Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra's Educational Journey to New Orleans!

The Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra (RYJO) is raising money to attend the Jazz Education Network (JEN) Conference (January, 2026), which is the most prestigious gathering of young jazz musicians and educators in America.

With your gracious donation to our non-profit organization, you can support this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that will define their careers and shape the futures of our talented young musicians.

Ways to Make a Difference

Here are our ongoing programs:

Jazz Mentor Program
(Fall & Spring)

This eight-week program provides local jazz ensembles additional instruction from mentors in the areas of improvisation, instrument technique, jazz style and more.

Discover Jazz Workshop
(Fall & Spring)

The RJO provides a Saturday workshop for Northern Nevada and California students who would like to work on improvisation, jazz theory, ear training and small group performance.

Gems Jazz Combo Workshop
(Fall & Spring)

This educational program inites female and non-binary student musicians to play jazz. In this 8-week program, students will work on standard jazz tunes, style & improvisation in the context of a cjazzz combo. The culminating project will be a performance.

Lessons Program
(Fall & Spring)

In partnership with Title I schools, students learn proper technique on their instruments, reinforce the skills they are learning in class and work in a small group setting to master their skills.

Jazz in the Schools
(Every February)

Over 350 middle and high school musicians from over a dozen Northern Nevada jazz bands perform at the University of Nevada, Reno. Ensembles receive complimentary feedback from nationally recognized clinicians, attend improvisation clinics and hear RJO and RYJO perform.

Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra (RYJO)
(November-July)

This award-winning group of top middle and high school jazz musicians and vocalist rehearses weekly and performs several times throughout the season. Students must be enrolled in their school programs to audition.

Be a Part of our Inspiration

To make a tax-deductible donation, please visit RenoJazzOrchestra.org/donate
or use this QR code:

MAILING ADDRESS

Reno Jazz Orchestra
2590 Orovada Street
Reno, NV 89512

PHONE, EMAIL, WEBSITE
775-372-6160
info@renojazzorchestra.org
renojazzorchestra.org

Share Your Time and Your Love of Jazz
Volunteer!

Volunteers are vital to the Reno Jazz Orchestra. The RJO relies on donations of time to strengthen our organization and to ensure our many events run smoothly. Opportunities exist to assist with performances and special events throughout the year in Reno, Tahoe and Northern Nevada.

Interested in becoming a volunteer? Call or email now to join our pool of volunteers.

Contact Diana Stewart at 775-372-6160 or Diana Raquel at Diana@renojazzorchestra.org.

Jazz Radio for Reno & Sparks

Saturday Night Jazz
89.5 on your FM dial

KNCJ Saturday Night Jazz Radio

Jazz music Saturday nights between 6 and 10 PM, with Scot Marshall, Dallas Smith, and Graham Marshall as your hosts.

Listen to the latest releases and classics of America's great musical art form.

Setlists

(Intermission will be announced) Tunes to be selected from the following:

Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra

Reno Jazz Orchestra

Music from the RJO

Available on CD and Mp3

Next: New Directions

New Music from Greg Johnson

Available on Mp3

(Intermission will be announced)
Tunes to be selected from the following: