Jazz Lab Band is an elective course for any member of the Band, Chorus or Orchestra who is interested in learning about the jazz traditions. The Jazz Lab Band focuses on beginning and intermediate improvisation techniques, as well as the basic elements of combo and big band style performance. The group maintains an active performance schedule, and is an important part of the Fall Jazz Concert and the FMA Jazz Festival in May. The Band's repertoire represents all of the main style periods in jazz, and offers the students the opportunity to listen to and study some of the greatest jazz improvisers. Guest artist and clinicians are a regular feature of the Jazz Lab Band experience. Some Jazz Ensemble members choose to participate in the Jazz Lab Band so as to gain performance experience on a secondary instrument or a double. This is a group for jazz beginners of any age, and a group for intermediate level players to develop improvisation skills and play lead and principal parts