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
