Sponsored by Kaiser Permanente
Next Generation Jazz Orchestra
Directed by Gerald Clayton
Featuring 2023 Artist-in-Residence, Lakecia Benjamin
Monterey Jazz Festival brings together 20 of the most accomplished high school jazz musicians from across the country to form the Next Generation Jazz Orchestra (NGJO) directed by GRAMMY-nominated pianist and composer Gerald Clayton. Established in 1971, the NGJO traditionally gathers for one weekend in the summer to begin rehearsals in preparation for a domestic or international tour.
Having received worldwide acclaim, tour performances for the Orchestra have included festivals and venues in the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, and Europe. Tenure in the NGJO culminates in a main stage performance in September at the Monterey Jazz Festival with the annual Artist-in-Residence. Former members of the NGJO are a formidable list of contemporary stars in the jazz world and include Benny Green, Patrice Rushen, Joshua Redman, Ambrose Akinmusire, and many others.
2023 NEXT GENERATION JAZZ ORCHESTRA
Gerald Clayton, Director
WOODWINDS
Cosmo Lieberman,** alto saxophone 1 / California
Miriam Gorof-Behel, alto saxophone 2 / Illinois
Nick Caldwell,**** tenor saxophone 1 / California
Chloe Madrak, tenor saxophone 2 / Connecticut
Austin Falvey, baritone saxophone / North Carolina
TRUMPETS
Nelson Keakopa, lead / Florida
Alex Hong,** lead / California
Giovanni Martinez,** trumpet 2 / Florida
Lucas Rivero, trumpet 3 / Florida
Joe Friedman, trumpet 4 / Washington
TROMBONES
Luciano Soriano,** trombone 1 / California
Miles Cole,** trombone 2 / Missouri
Luke Ramee,** trombone 3 / North Carolina
Priyanka Magavi, trombone 4 / Connecticut
Zach Andrews,** bass / Missouri
RHYTHM
Benjamin Collins-Siegel, piano / New Jersey
Jacqueline Lee, violin / New Jersey
Mason Bryant, guitar / Ohio
Ethan Fairclough, bass / California
Benjamin Schwartz, drums / New Jersey
Ava Preston, vocal / Ohio
** Two-time NGJO member
**** Four-time NGJO member
