Next Generation Jazz Orchestra with the Next Generation Women in Jazz Combo

Kaiser Permanente is a Premier Sponsor of the Next Generation Jazz Education Program

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.

2025 Next Generation Jazz Orchestra
Gerald Clayton, Director
With special guest Sullivan Fortner, MJF68 Artist-in-Residence

TRUMPETS
Levi Farrar, 1st trumpet / California
Rafael Alvarez Gonzalez, 2nd trumpet / Florida
Allie Molin, 3rd trumpet / California
Jameson Young, 4th trumpet / North Carolina
Tiam Khosravan, 5th trumpet / California

TROMBONES
Harrison Hendrickson, 1st trombone / Missouri
Ean Bricknell, 2nd trombone / Florida
Ezekiel Dittmer, 3rd trombone / Illinois
Sidney Kitchen, 4th trombone / Michigan
Charlie Phillips, bass trombone / Missouri

WOODWINDS
Jackson Hankins, 1st alto saxophone / Tennessee
Kahlil Childs, 2nd alto saxophone / California
Ryan Kaplan, 1st tenor saxophone / Florida
Benjamin Shelton, 2nd tenor saxophone / Texas
Lake Muther, baritone saxophone / California

RHYTHM
Evan Wiederanders, piano / California
Ryu Chan, guitar / Florida
Cadence Okuwobi, bass / Ohio
Enzo Pulley, drums / Florida
Declan Cashman, vocal / Pennsylvania

2025 Next Generation Women in Jazz Combo
Katie Thiroux, Director
Gabby Andrade, alto saxophone / Pennsylvania
Kiara Rouse, tenor saxophone / Florida
Kriti Kadiyala, guitar / Texas 
Annie Verkoczy, piano / California
Clare Reinhold, bass / California
Ella Sophia Madsen, drums / Utah