News | Jazz Outreach Initiative

JOI awards the first Richard Salvatore Soranno Memorial Scholarship for Jazz to Ilai Macaggi

Donny Thompson, M.S., NPA

May 20, 20203 min read

JOI awards the first Richard Salvatore Soranno Memorial Scholarship for Jazz to Ilai Macaggi

Richard Salvatore Soranno, age 18, was a gifted musician who attended the Las Vegas Academy of the Arts, performing as a jazz pianist in...

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Las Vegas Youth Jazz Orchestra Does Its First Recording! Wayne Shorter's "Armageddon!"

Donny Thompson, M.S., NPA

May 14, 20202 min read

Las Vegas Youth Jazz Orchestra Does Its First Recording! Wayne Shorter's "Armageddon!"

When it became clear that schools were going to be closing and that the newly formed Las Vegas Youth Jazz Orchestra was going to have to...

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JOI's Gary Cordell Interviews virtuoso drummer, bandleader, composer, and educator - Sherri Maricle

Donny Thompson, M.S., NPA

May 12, 20207 min read

JOI's Gary Cordell Interviews virtuoso drummer, bandleader, composer, and educator - Sherri Maricle

In this column, JOI Vice President Gary Cordell asks questions to well-known jazz artists. The artist featured here is American...

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Donny Thompson, M.S., NPA

May 12, 20203 min read

From Kenny’s Desk

“It’s about the journey, not the destination” is a phrase I find myself using quite a bit when speaking with students during these times....

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Las Vegas Youth Jazz Orchestra Does Its First Recording, "Armaggedon," by Wayne Shorter

Donny Thompson, M.S., NPA

May 3, 20202 min read

Las Vegas Youth Jazz Orchestra Does Its First Recording, "Armaggedon," by Wayne Shorter

By Kenny Rampton, May 3, 2020 When it became clear that schools were going to be closing and that the newly formed Las Vegas Youth Jazz...

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“THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT – ESPECIALLY WITH YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT”

Donny Thompson, M.S., NPA

May 2, 20202 min read

“THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT – ESPECIALLY WITH YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT”

That brings us to you, our loyal and devoted fans and supporters. JOI has no paid staff, utilities, rent, or other overhead costs which...

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“LAS VEGAS YOUTH JAZZ ORCHESTRA" Launches in Southern Nevada

Donny Thompson, M.S., NPA

May 2, 20202 min read

“LAS VEGAS YOUTH JAZZ ORCHESTRA" Launches in Southern Nevada

JOI has wanted to create a youth jazz orchestra since our inception in 2017, bringing together student musicians of all demographics and...

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"BUZZIN’ IN BRASS" and "JAZZ FOR YOUNG PEOPLE CONCERTS”

Donny Thompson, M.S., NPA

May 2, 20201 min read

"BUZZIN’ IN BRASS" and "JAZZ FOR YOUNG PEOPLE CONCERTS”

Back again for this school year, were our two highly engaging and ever popular educational outreach programs, “Buzzin’ in Brass” and...

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“LAS VEGAS’ ESSENTIALLY ELLINGTON REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL JAZZ BAND FESTIVAL”

Donny Thompson, M.S., NPA

May 2, 20202 min read

“LAS VEGAS’ ESSENTIALLY ELLINGTON REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL JAZZ BAND FESTIVAL”

The collaboration between JOI and UNLV helped bring Las Vegas this 3rd Annual festival. UNLV, under the outstanding leadership of Dean...

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Donny Thompson, M.S., NPA

May 2, 20202 min read

“JOI OF GIVING FALL CAMPAIGN”

JOI concluded a multi-week fall giving campaign on “Giving Tuesday” in December at a special campaign-ending jazz dinner event held at...

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Donny Thompson, M.S., NPA

May 2, 20202 min read

From Donny's Desk - Reflections on Covid-19 and the Healing Power of Music

“Music is very spiritual. It has the power to bring people together.” – Edgar Winter Friends of JOI, as I write this newsletter to...

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RAVE REVIEWS FOR THE CHARLEY DAVIS TRUMPET CLINIC

Alireza Farahi

Sep 3, 20192 min read

RAVE REVIEWS FOR THE CHARLEY DAVIS TRUMPET CLINIC

Saturday, August 24, 2019, JOI sponsored and hosted legendary trumpeter, Charley Davis in Doc Rando Recital Hall on the campus of UNLV Schoo

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KENNY RAMPTON TO SOLO WITH LAS VEGAS PHILHARMONIC

Alireza Farahi

Aug 30, 20191 min read

KENNY RAMPTON TO SOLO WITH LAS VEGAS PHILHARMONIC

I am so excited about being a guest composer/performer on this concert (see the link below) in Las Vegas on October 12th!!! I’ll be performi

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Alireza Farahi

Aug 6, 20193 min read

JOI Hosts First “Jazz Awareness Soiree”

Jazz Outreach Initiative hosted its first “Jazz Awareness Soiree” at the home of Executive Director Donny Thompson on August 5, 2019. The

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Alireza Farahi

Jul 12, 20194 min read

ASK THE ARTIST - WYNTON MARSALIS

In this column, JOI will be asking YOUR questions to well-known jazz artists. The first artist featured here is American virtuoso trumpeter

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Alireza Farahi

Jul 12, 20192 min read

JOI and AFM

Las Vegas Live, presented on June 22, 2019, Jazz Outreach Initiative (JOI) was pleased to partner with the American Federation of Musicians

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Alireza Farahi

Jul 9, 20193 min read

JOI's First Newsletter - A Note from Kenny Rampton

I’m so excited about the launch of our new newsletter, JOIful Notes! As I sit here thinking about what to write for our very 1st edition, I

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Donny Thompson, M.S., NPA

Jun 27, 20192 min read

Sarah Milligan Story

Sarah Milligan decided to do an experiment preparing for Jazz Girls Texas. The results may surprise you.

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Alireza Farahi

May 24, 20192 min read

Jazz for Young People Concert Series

In collaboration with Jazz at Lincoln Center (J@LC), The Jazz Outreach Initiative (JOI) recently launched its Jazz for Young People Concert

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Alireza Farahi

May 16, 20191 min read

Vegas JAMZ

Vegas Jamz is a free event, sponsored by Jazz Outreach Initiative in collaboration with Positively Arts, AFM, and Green Valley High School.

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