Congratulations to our 2019 JEN host city award recipient, the Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra

For the 3rd straight year, The Billy Strayhorn Foundation has given a financial assistance award to a deserving organization in the host city for the Jazz Education Network conference (JEN). With the conference being in Reno, Nevada this year. the music institution selected was the Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra.

Established in 2006, the RYJO mission is to assemble by audition, the top middle and high school jazz talent in the Reno-Sparks-Carson and Tahoe communities in order to provide opportunities for the performance, preservation, appreciation and study of JAZZ.

The RYJO is led by 3 very dedicated Directors, co founders Vernon and Karen Scarbrough, along with Director of combos, Doug Coomler. RYJO has also recently released a CD called DECADE highlighting the playing of their 2016 members.

We wish RYJO students and staff continued success with their music program and wonderful mission.

Pictured above; Strayhorn Jazz Education Coordinator Galen Demus with student members and staff of the Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra.

Strayhorn Songs and the Strayhorn Foundation participate in the 2019 Jazz Education Network Conference

Billy Strayhorn Songs Inc. and the Billy Strayhorn Foundation participated in the 2019 Jazz Education Network conference (JEN) held this year in Reno, Nevada. The Jazz Education Network is dedicated to building the jazz arts community by advancing education, promoting performances and developing audiences.

The Billy Strayhorn booth provided information on the musical legacy of Billy Strayhorn, handout information about the recent archive acquisition by the Library of Congress, and conducted a raffle giveaway for the Strayhorn books “Lush Life” and “Strayhorn; An Illustrated Life.”

Lots of friends, visitors and Strayhorn admirers came by the booth to talk and just take in all things Strayhorn. Mark your calendar to be at next years conference in New Orleans !