Every spring, the Monterey Jazz Festival invites the top student musicians from across the country and around the world to participate in the Next Generation Festival. Continuing in its commitment to jazz education and the development of top-level jazz musicians and jazz performance, the Monterey Jazz Festival sponsors this concert by the Next Generation Jazz Orchestra.
Earlier this summer, players from 17 high schools in 10 states survived a competitive process to be chosen for the Monterey Next Generation Jazz Orchestra. After gaining a seat in the group, the members spend one weekend in New York City under director Paul Contos, studying to perform some of the most challenging big-band works available.
In what has become a tradition at Monterey, the Next Generation Jazz Orchestra performs its last show with a special guest — in this case, it's Monterey artist in residence Terence Blanchard.
Newark, N.J.-based NPR station WBGO has been broadcasting some of the best jazz music in the world since 1979.
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