Monterey Jazz

Education

Regional All-Star Middle School Combo

MJF Middle School COmbo MJF67 2024

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 Middle School Combo Performance Schedule (tentative):
May: Community Concert at Del Monte Shopping Center, Monterey
June 25: Community Concert at York School, Monterey
September 25-27: 69th Annual Monterey Jazz Festival

Application Eligibility and Requirements:

  • Middle 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.

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

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

Monterey Jazz Regional All-Star Middle School Combo
Directed by Dr. Rob Klevan

Anna Kim, flute; Anna Kalman-Zulik, alto saxophone; Patrick Tulley, tenor saxophone; Ivan Escorcia, Zachary Gardner, trumpet; Maddax Powers, piano; Bryce Kanter, Kaiya Newman, bass; Otli Gonzalez, Kai Thomson, 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!”