Established in June of 2001, the members of the Reunion Jazz Orchestra share a unique background. Each is a “Son of Notre Dame” – what started as a group of graduates from Notre Dame College Prep in Niles, IL and/or the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana has now grown to include some of the finest musicians in the Chicagoland area (our “adopted” Notre Dame Alumni). This group of “weekend warriors” has in its ranks doctors, engineers, educators and various business professionals all dedicated to the art of big band jazz. The RJO has been most fortunate to share the stage with some of Chicago’s finest vocalists including the incomparable Tammy McCann, Paul Marinaro and Jennifer Connelly.
The Reunion Jazz Orchestra brings together alumni of the Melodons, the award winning jazz band from Notre Dame High School in Niles, IL, founded in 1956 by Rev. George Wiskirchen, CSC. Out of that creative environment came many famous musicians, such as James Pankow (Chicago), Jim McNeely (Vanguard Jazz Orchestra), Dick Sisto, and a long list of Chicago music scene stalwarts including Joe Sonnefeldt, Dan DeLorenzo, John Kornegay, Bob Sutter, and Dave Creighton.
The RJO is a volunteer alumni organization of Notre Dame College Prep. All proceeds from performances and CD sales are donated to the school for the support and enhancement of the music program. Through these efforts, a scholarship has been established for students of the music department.
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Admission is $10, $5 (17 & under).
