Performing jazz offers students the opportunity to participate in a unique group activity where notated passages are blended with exciting moments of improvisation. Expectations have risen over the years as middle and high school jazz ensembles have proved that they can perform at a very high level. This expectation however, has led to the reduction of a primary element of jazz, improvisation. As more and more directors opt to use written solos in place of improvisation one of the main pillars of jazz expression is completely removed from the performance. This often happens because band directors don't have the background to help students navigate the improvised sections. This article provides band directors with some basic tools to help young improvisers. Tips offered here should help students navigate through creating improvised solos and allow them the thrill of contributing their own voice and ideas to a performance.