The Friendly City Jazz Orchestra meets daily during 4th period and is open to students grades 9-12 that are enrolled in both marching & concert band. In rare cases, students not enrolled in marching & concert band are allowed to participate in the jazz ensemble, only when a need arises where no one else is available to play that instrument (ex. rhythm section). Students perform a wide variety of music, such as: swing, rock, latin, funk, and ballads. Students, in some cases, perform on secondary instruments.

The Friendly City Jazz Orchestra is one of the founding members of the All-Region & All-State Jazz Honor Bands in Arkansas. All Jazz Ensemble students are expected to audition & qualify for the All-Region Jazz Honor Bands. The Jazz Orchestra is one of the leaders for placing students in the All-Region Jazz Band. Jazz Ensemble students have regular clinicians & concerts with guest artists. The Ensemble travels around the school district in the spring on their annual "JAZZ TOUR" to perform for the pre-k school, three elementary schools, and the middle school.

Jazz Ensemble students have the first opportunity to audition for placement in Northeast Arkansas' Elite Paragould Fine Arts Department's Spring Musical held each April.

In addition, the Paragould Jazz Band performs as part of the stage band for the Paragould Band fundraiser known as "Rockin' the Night Away for the Paragould Band" held each year at the historic Collin's Theater in Downtown Paragould. Band members play along with guest vocalist, who sing favorites from the 50's, 60's, 70's & even some 80's!