One City Jazz gives every student a new, high-quality instrument when they join in fifth grade—choosing from trumpet, trombone, saxophone, piano, electric bass, or drums. Students play in one of three jazz bands (the Earl Hines, Dorothy Donegan, or Louis Armstrong Band), take weekly lessons with a specialist, and attend a class called Jazz in Context. This program is free of cost to the families and students who continue through eighth grade—over 90%—keep their instrument for high school and beyond.