NEXT GENERATION JAZZ ORCHESTRA

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. Tenure in the NGJO culminates in a main stage performance in September at the Monterey Jazz Festival with the 2023 Artist-in-Residence, Lakecia Benjamin. Established in 1971, 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.

 

 

  • The 2023 NGJO musicians will get together for two virtual rehearsals before September.
  • The NGJO members will be invited to the 66th Monterey Jazz Festival in September for rehearsals, performances, master classes, and workshops.
  • The orchestra will appear on the Jimmy Lyons Stage in the Arena to perform with the 2023 MJF Artist-in-Residence.

Application process opens Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at 10am (PST) and closes April 3, 2023 at 5pm (PST).

Application form link: https://airtable.com/shrzTRzKEyf7hjMey

Before filling out your application form, please check out the audition requirements first:
Please contact Claire Kim-Shin, Education Specialist at claire@montereyjazzfestival.org / 831.373.8842 for any questions.

 

 

Congratulations to the 2022 Next Generation Jazz Orchestra!

NGJO  2022

William Schwartzman, piano / CA
Læsio Littlejohn, bass / TX
Beckett Miles, drums / FL
Blake Slaughter, guitar / SC
Ava Ramsey, vocal / SC

Trumpets
Alex Hong, lead / CA
Skylar Tang / CA
Jonah Hieb / WA
Levi Rozek / IN
Giovanni Martinez / FL

Trombones
Andre Perlman / FL
Luciano Soriano / CA
Miles Cole / MO
Luke Ramee / NC
Zach Andrews, bass / MO

Woodwinds
Cosmo Lieberman, alto / CA
Henry Berberi, alto / MN
Nick Caldwell, tenor / CA
Gael Saldaña, tenor / CA
Noa Zebley, baritone / CA