Millburn Middle School jazz band is made up of trumpets, saxophones, trombones, and a rhythm section which includes a guitar, bass guitar, keyboard, and drum set. However, woodwind instruments such as flute, clarinet, and bassoon are left out. The music program at MMS is an excellent program, and the jazz band is phenomenal. Students who play flute, clarinet, bassoon, oboe, or other instruments not currently included in the jazz band should not be excluded from the tryouts. 

When people think of jazz, woodwinds, with the exception of saxophones, don't generally come to mind. However, flute and clarinet play an important part in jazz. Although less common, there are even jazz bassoonists and oboists. 

Millburn Middle School already has a remarkable musical program which includes a spectacular jazz band. Why should students who don't play a "traditional jazz instrument" be excluded? While woodwinds may not come to mind when people think of jazz, in fact, flutes, clarinets, bassoons, and oboes are fantastic jazz instruments. Adding a few more woodwinds would not only give more students an amazing experience, but it would enhance the MMS Jazz Band as well.