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, Lakecia Benjamin.

Congratulations to the 2023 Next Generation Jazz Orchestra!

Next Generation Jazz Orchestra 2023
Directed by Gerald Clayton

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