As part of a continuing commitment to jazz education and the perpetuation and development of top-level jazz musicians and jazz performance, the Monterey Jazz Festival proudly sponsors the Next Generation Jazz Orchestra.

Formerly known as the MJF High School All-Star Big Band (from 1971-2004), the NGJO represents the future generation of jazz stars through a program that selects the best and brightest high school jazz musicians in the country. In 2007, the 20-piece jazz orchestra featured members selected from seventeen high schools from the four corners of the country, including Florida, Connecticut, Nebraska, Washington, Illinois, Oregon, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, and California, in an unprecedented cross-section of the best high school jazz programs in the country.

Former members of the ensemble include pianists Benny Green and Patrice Rushen, bassist Larry Grenadier, drummer Chad Wackerman, saxophonists Joshua Redman, Eric Marienthal, Dave Koz, trombonist Andy Martin, and big band leader Gordon Goodwin to name a few.

Under the tutelage of Mr. Paul Contos, renowned saxophonist and flautist who serves as the director of the Orchestra, the ensemble is dedicated to the study and performance of the most challenging big band literature available. Orchestra members are selected through a rigorous audition process that includes review by a national panel of judges comprised of professional jazz musician/educators. After obtaining a place in the Orchestra, members of this ensemble gather in New York City for one weekend in the summer to begin rehearsals in preparation for an international tour. Having received worldwide acclaim, previous tour destinations for the Orchestra have included performances in festivals and various venues in Canada, Japan, Australia, and Europe. In 2008, the NGJO will perform at the North Sea Jazz Festival in Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

In September 2008, the Next Generation Orchestra gathers once again to prepare for their slot on the main stage at the Monterey Jazz Festival, where they are featured in a performance with one or more special guest artists.

At MJF/47 in 2004, the ensemble shared the Jimmy Lyons Stage with violinist Regina Carter, trumpeter Jon Faddis, and saxophonist David “Fathead” Newman. At MJF/48, the NGJO performed with the MJF Artist-In-Residence and Grammy Award winning saxophonist, Branford Marsalis. At the MJF/49 in 2006, the ensemble appeared with Artist-In-Residence Kurt Elling, the world renowned jazz vocalist and DownBeat Magazine’s Male Vocalist of the Year. At MJF/50 in 2007, the Next Generation Jazz Orchestra performed with Artist-In-Residence and Grammy Award winning trumpeter and composer Terence Blanchard.

For MJF/51 in 2008, the Next Generation Jazz Orchestra will perform with Maceo Parker and with Artist-In-Residence and Grammy Award winning bassist, Christian McBride.

Read the bios of this year’s members!

Read the press release!

The 2008 Next Generation Jazz Orchestra
Director - Mr. Paul Contos

** 2-time member of NGJO
*** 3-time member of NGJO