Kaiser Permanente is a Premier Sponsor of the Next Generation Jazz Education Program
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. Monterey Jazz is thrilled to announce the official members of 2026 Next Generation Jazz Orchestra!
2026 Next Generation Jazz Orchestra
Gerald Clayton, Director
TRUMPETS
Quentin Gomez, 1st trumpet, California
Xavier Anderson, 2nd trumpet, Florida **
Rafael Alvarez Gonzalez, 3rd trumpet, Florida **
Jameson Young, 4th trumpet, North Carolina **
Axel Torres, 5th trumpet, Florida
TROMBONES
Ariel Tores, 1st trombone, Florida
Ryan Smith, 2nd trombone, New York
Matthew Vasquez, 3rd trombone, California
Miles Dixon, 4th trombone, California
Collette Cruz, bass trombone, California
WOODWINDS
Kahlil Childs, 1st alto saxophone, California **
Madhav Ramaprasad, 2nd alto saxophone, California
Scotty Russell, 1st tenor saxophone, Missouri
Jay Thatte, 2nd tenor saxophone, New Jersey
Giancarlo Crapanzano, baritone saxophone, New Jersey
RHYTHM
Malik Minert, piano, California
Christopher Crear, guitar, Texas
Collier Keitany, bass, California
Diego Aviles Martinez, drums, Florida
Madison Kate, vocal, California
** Two-time member