Stage Band is designed for the student who would like to broaden his/her knowledge in the field of jazz. Instruction includes improvisational reading and playing techniques, as well as general music education in the areas of major/minor scales, simple chord construction, sight-reading difficult jazz rhythms, articulation styles of jazz, seventh and ninth chord identifying, and performing ear training concepts. Music material consists of music charts from the Big-Band era to modern day jazz. Students perform at various school functions, community events, and attend jazz clinics and festivals. Jazz Band students belong to a performing organization that provides opportunities and experiences permitting them to participate and progress to their fullest potential. Students are taught to become as proficient on their instrument as time and ability allows. All students in this course are required to practice outside the school day. Periodic individual auditions are scheduled to validate this procedure and rate results for possible placement into county and state jazz honor groups. Students have the opportunity to listen to audio jazz band music recordings and watch videos of musical groups in stage/jazz band performance. Required listening includes ragtime, rhythm and blues, big-band, modern jazz, and other styles.