11/04/09

Monterey’s Next Generation Festival Jazz Competition Now Open For Entries

By Lee Mergner

Entries are now being accepted for the Jazz Competition at the Next Generation Festival, presented by the same folks who bring us the Monterey Jazz Festival. The Next Gemeration Festival happens April 9-11, 2010 at the Monterey Conference Center in Monterey, Calif. The festival annually attracts school bands from all over the world.

The competition has numerous categories, including Middle School, High School, Conglomerate High School, and College Big Bands; High School and College Vocal Ensembles; High School Combos; and their newest division, Open Combos, open to any combination of College and/or Conglomerate High School ensembles. High School composers can enter the Composition Competition, with the winning piece to be premiered at the Festival. Student musicians (High School or younger) are also invited to audition for the Next Generation Jazz Orchestra, which performs on a two-week tour next summer and at the Monterey Jazz Festival in September.

For more information go to the festival’s site.