Reno Band

The Reno Club was located at 602 East 12th and was known as the “Queen” of the Kansas City Clubs. The Basie Band made it’s debut as the house band in 1935 and the Reno became one of the most popular clubs for both patrons and musicians. The band played from 8:00 pm to 4:00 am every night. Charlie Parker loved to sit in the balcony and watch Lester Young.

The Reno Band is our top performing band and is designed for experienced high school jazz musicians from throughout Kansas City. Advanced band members get the opportunity to learn and perform original music along with professional jazz standards. In the past few years students have performed with Clarke Terry, Marilyn Maye and the McFadden Brothers and received clinics with international jazz artists such as Wynton Marsalis, Ali Jackson, and Bobby Watson. Participation in the advanced band is by audition and instructor recommendation.

Rehearsals are Monday evenings from 6:00 to 7:30.

Fall 2010 Reno Band Members:

Alto Sax: David Sherbondy, Pam Churn

Tenor Sax: Ellory Mohr, Elise McEllhiney

Bari Sax: Will Peak

Trumpet: Brandon Parsons, Hannah Novaria, Ben Forshee

Trombone: Kristen Shedor

Rhythm: Max Hofmeister – Piano; Ryan Lucas – Drums; Patrick Keizer – Guitar; Isaac Booth – Bass