Monterey Announces Members of Student Orchestra

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The Monterey Jazz Festival has announced the members of its 2008 Next Generation Jazz Orchestra, the fest’s high school all-star big band.

The Next Generation Jazz Orchestra nurtures the future generation of jazz stars through a program that selects the best and brightest high school jazz musicians in the country. In 2008, the 21-piece jazz orchestra features members selected from 18 high schools.

Under the direction of Paul Contos, the orchestra includes:

Saxophones:
John Palowitch, alto***
Hailey Niswanger, alto
Adam Larson, tenor**
Chad Lefkowitz-Brown, tenor
Owen Broder, baritone**

Trombones:
John Egizi
Javier Nero**
Stephen Szabadi**
Natalie Cressman
Emmanuel Rojas, bass

Trumpets:
Blake Martin
Kevin Early**
Gabe Medd
Nick Frenay**
Noah Hocker

Rhythm:
Emmet Cohen, piano
Mike Gurrola, bass
Armand Hirsch, guitar
Jimmy Macbride, drums
Daniel Nadeau, drums
Richard Saunders, vocals
** 2-time member of NGJO; *** 3-time member of NGJO

More info: montereyjazzfestival.org



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