The Monterey Jazz Festival is looking for a few good young jazz musicians. Actually, they’re looking for 21 good young jazz musicians for the 2021 edition of their all-star jazz orchestra: the Next Generation Jazz Orchestra. Featuring some of the most accomplished high-school jazz musicians from across the country, the 2021 Next Generation Jazz Orchestra will be directed by pianist and composer Gerald Clayton, and members will work with Clayton, as well as with the 2021 Monterey Jazz Festival Artist-in-Residence Christian Sands.
Among the list of past orchestra members are Joshua Redman, Benny Green, Patrice Rushen, Ambrose Akinmusire, Jonathan Finlayson, Ted Nash, and Dave Koz. Tim Jackson, artistic director for the festival, told JT in an email: “Our goal is to develop a group of diverse students with excellent musicianship and passion for the art form. We appreciate curious minds, team players and forward thinkers.” He wrote that the one of the benefits is working with Clayton and Sands, as well as with their talented peers. “We hope that the students find and develop tools to take their music to the next level and a platform to express their current abilities, all while fostering an environment of teamwork and camaraderie,” he explained.
The deadline for video auditions has been extended until April 15, 2021. Learn more at the festival’s website.
