In the Monterey Jazz Festival’s ongoing support of music education in schools, we are excited to announce the return of the MJF Regional All-Star Band and Vocal Ensemble, as well as the Regional All-Star Middle School Combo in a new partnership with York School in Monterey. In the 2022-23 school year, students will have the benefit of working with some of the county’s best jazz educators. The Regional All-Star band is directed by Stu Reynolds, and the Regional All-Star Middle School Combo is directed by Dr. Rob Klevan. The Regional All-Star Vocal Ensemble is co-directed by Dr. Rob Klevan and Ms. Janice Perl.
All-Star Band and Vocal Ensemble students who satisfy a set of requirements established by MJF Education department will receive a Certificate of Excellence in Professional Musicianship. Each all-star ensemble, featuring talented students from across Monterey County, rehearses twice monthly while working on ensemble skills including phrasing, blending, improvisation, and rhythmic feel. The bands perform across Monterey County and far beyond, testing their chops on the bandstand while bringing great jazz music to the community. The ensembles have performed across North America at jazz festivals and venues including the Kennedy Center, the National Archives, and Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley in Seattle.
Monterey Jazz Festival Regional All-Star Band 2022-2023
Director: Stu Reynolds
Woodwinds
Andrew Murray, alto saxophone
Conor O’Brien, alto saxophone
Tatum Sanders, tenor saxophone
Robert Gomez, tenor saxophone
Samantha Barragan, baritone saxophone
Trombones
Alexis Rodas-Mendoza
Jose Romero
Kai Bishop
David Oliver
Trumpets
Johnny Klevan
William Coen
Kai Hatton
Bryan Kim
Rhythm Section
Jack Uchida-Dohrmann, piano
Grace Wang, piano
Tanner Downing-McAdams, guitar
Tommy Ducker, bass
Daphne DeCarlo, bass
Carl Nielsen, drums
Christopher Platt, drums
2022-2023 MJF All-Star Middle School Combo
Dr. Rob Klevan, director
Woodwinds
Emeliano Ramirez, tenor saxophone
JoAnna Lee, flute
Trombones
Sam Klevan
Christopher Alejandro
Trumpets
Noah Flynn
Noe Lopez
Rhythm Section
Evan Wiederanders, piano, keyboard
Ayden Kanter, guitar
Bryce Kanter, bass
Michael Cordoba, drums
