Regional All-Star Band

Audition applications for 2026 Monterey Jazz Regional All-Star Ensembles are now open!

The Monterey Jazz Regional All-Star audition process does NOT require any application fees! To be considered, applicants must complete the application form AND submit their audition videos by 11:59 PM (PDT) on Wednesday, October 15, 2025.

As part of our ongoing support for music education in schools, Monterey Jazz is excited to announce the 2025-26 Regional All-Star auditions! The All-Star ensemble members will have the benefit of working with some of the county’s best jazz educators.

Each All-Star ensemble, featuring talented students from across Monterey County, rehearses twice a month in November through September. In the summer, the ensembles perform across Monterey County and far beyond, testing their chops on the bandstand while bringing great jazz music to the community.

2026 All-Star Band Performance Schedule (tentative):
May: Community Concert at Del Monte Shopping Center, Monterey
May: Corral de Tierra Benefit Concert, Salinas
June 25: Community Concert at York School, Monterey
July: Jazz in the Forest, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Date TBD
July: Jazz on the Plazz Los Gatos, Date TBD
August: San Jose Jazz Summer Jazz Fest, Date TBD
September 25-27: 69th Annual Monterey Jazz Festival

Application Eligibility and Requirements:

  • High school jazz musicians currently enrolled in a music ensemble at their school
  • Each member of the All-Star ensembles must commit themselves to attending all of the scheduled rehearsals AND performances

Contact Claire Kim-Shin, Director of Education at [email protected] or 831.373.8842 if you have any questions.

2025 Monterey Jazz Regional All-Star Band
Directed by Stu Reynolds

Woodwinds
JoAnna Lee, flute; Andrew Murray, 1st alto saxophone; Jacob Custodio, 2nd alto saxophone; Conor O’Brien, 1st tenor saxophone; Trent Gaston, 2nd tenor saxophone; Emiliano Ramirez, baritone saxophone

Trombones
Kai Bishop, 1st trombone; Isaac Lee, 2nd trombone; Mariella Norris, 3rd trombone; Olivia Gott, 4th trombone; Sam Klevan, bass trombone

Trumpets
Andrew Atanous, 1st trumpet; Cliff Bunden, 2nd trumpet; Bryan Kim, 3rd trumpet; Alex Stihler, 4th trumpet; Joshua Lopez, 4th trumpet

Rhythm
Kai Kraus, Roman Waters, piano; Ayden Kanter, William Drumright, guitar; Daphne DeCarlo, Zoya Bograd, bass; Christopher Platt, Aaron Bonynge, Isaac Waters, drums

Our talented students say it best!

Being a part of the MJF All-Star program has been an excellent experience!

Through three years in All-Stars, my son’s musical abilities and confidence have matured significantly.

Every time my daughter attends rehearsals, she feels inspired by her peers who possess remarkable musical talent. She expresses that being involved in jazz music offers a different form of inspiration for her musical journey. She truly enjoys the program. Thank you so much!”