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