Jazz, the first truly American art form, began developing during the 1890s in New Orleans. Since that time the term “jazz” has been used to describe many different kinds of music, and the Marine Forces Pacific Band’s Jazz Combo draws its repertoire from just about all of them. Its members are as comfortable playing a Latin groove as they are playing jazz standards or 12-bar blues. This group can vary in size from a small two-piece duo to its standard four-piece, or even go to a seven-piece depending on the event. Venues for this ensemble include music festivals, formal and informal concerts, receptions for flag officers and visiting dignitaries, and programs that support music education.