Jazz

 

      The Reunion Music Society Jazz Orchestra (RMSJO) continues the legacy of the jazz period introduced during the 1930’s, 40’s, and 50s. The origins of jazz in the United States were the blues being played in the Mississippi Delta in the early 1900s. Jazz has now developed into many sophisticated forms of composed, arranged and improvised styles of popular music and Broadway show tunes and Hollywood songs.

      The Reunion Music Society first organized the RMSJO in 1998 to perform the “Best of Sacred Concerts of Duke Ellington.” In 2001, the Society partnered with NOVA Annandale to perform “The Evolution of the Blues,” a musical journey of the Mississippi Delta singers to the big bands of Count Basie and Woody Herman. This partnership continues with additional jazz offerings at the college and in communities, such as “Women in Jazz,” “An Evening with the Duke,” and “Jazz with Strings.” The RMSJO performs as a trio, quartet, quintet, a seventeen-piece ensemble, or a big band with strings.

(Herb Smith, Music Director)

      In addition to serving as the music director of the RMSJO, Herb Smith has served as the Reunion Music Society’s overall music director since 2007. He has taught jazz studies at NOVA-Annandale since 1976. Born in Decatur, Alabama and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, Mr. Smith was surrounded by music at an early age, starting piano lessons at age five and taking up the saxophone at age 13. He graduated from the University of Kansas with a B.A. in music, focusing on the clarinet. After serving in the U.S. Air Force as principal clarinet, he earned a Master’s degree from Southern Illinois University and Howard University. He has received several awards and has produced numerous music programs showcasing the talents of present and former NOVA students. He also finds time to perform regularly with various groups in the Washington, DC metropolitan area and offer private music lessons.