Monterey Jazz

Education

Next Generation Jazz Orchestra

Each year, Monterey Jazz brings together some 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.

  • The 2025 NGJO musicians will get together for two virtual rehearsals before September.
  • The NGJO members will be invited to the 68th Monterey Jazz Festival in September for rehearsals, performances, master classes, and workshops.
  • The orchestra will appear on the Jimmy Lyons Stage in the Arena during the 68th Monterey Jazz Festival

Application process opens in January and closes March 15, 2025, at 5pm (PST).

Application Form:

Before filling out your application form, please check out the audition requirements first:
Please contact Claire Kim-Shin, Director of Education at [email protected] / 831.373.8842 for any questions.

Meet the 2024 Next Generation Jazz Orchestra!

Next Generation Jazz Orchestra 2024 directed by Gerald Clayton

Trumpets

Aurnob Khan 1st trumpet, California

Ezra Seelaus, 2nd trumpet, Florida

Xavier Anderson, 3rd trumpet, Florida

Breck Cherry, 4th trumpet, Florida

Theodore Peebles, 5th trumpet, Pennsylvania

Trombones

Kysen Ellis, 1st trombone, Washington

Jordan Klein, 2nd trombone, California

Sidney Kitchen, 3rd trombone, Michigan

Daniel Kent, bass trombone, Missouri

Woodwinds

Jordan McAllister, 1st alto sax, Florida

Anish Alur, 2nd alto sax, New Jersey

Luca Savarino, 1st tenor sax, Pennsylvania

Gustavo Cruz, 2nd tenor sax, North Carolina

Samuel Chung, baritone sax, California

Rhythm

Salome Ospina, piano, California

Jackson Petty, guitar, California

Sofia Longa, bass, Florida

Ethan Oliver, drums, North Carolina

Lucy Khadder, violin, California

Vocal

Jolie Demesmin, vocal, Florida