I have a set of Elixirs on my acoustic, and I haven't had any trouble with them. I take the thing to acoustic shows, camping, and just leave it sitting on the guitar stand most of the time. With all the movement and sitting about it gets, I haven't seen a singe bit of wear on them. Just need to find the right gauge (think I use 18s) and I'm set.
As for the whole Jazz Band thing, I just went back to school today, and I happened to sign up for Jazz Band. My guitar player in my band got me to sign up, and so far, I'm really enjoying it. We mainly had a free day, so we just goofed off of the guitars, bass, and drum set. Should be a really fun class. Best part about it: at our Christmas concert, I get to wear my fedora!