By Laura Eckles, KCCK Programming Intern

This local group, directed by Rich Medd (West High Director) and Ryan Arp (City High Director), brings students together from Iowa City West High School and Iowa City High School. For the past twenty years, the United Jazz Ensemble has been involved in the Iowa City Jazz Festival’s education outreach. The student involvement helps to maintain musical chops, as well as strengthen them over the summer. The group name, United Jazz Ensemble, perfectly depicts the group and its success in building a positive relationship between the two schools. The passion these students have for jazz is illustrated in their annual swinging performance. This group will be kicking off the Iowa City Jazz Festival on Friday, July at 5 p.m. on the Main Stage.