Youth Jazz Ensemble prepare for jazz festival in Uptown Waterloo [Video]

A group of young musicians will be among the acts hitting the stage at the Sun Life Uptown Waterloo Jazz Festival this weekend.

The Youth Jazz Ensemble said they are excited to a part of the annual festival.

“It’s very gratifying to see that this is still relevant and that there are there are jazz ensembles out there that are still reaching young people,” said musician and music teacher Jason White, who helps organize the ensemble.

White said this year they put together two ensembles and had more applicants than openings.

“We have a really strong partnership with the area high schools and teachers are telling me they can’t remember a time jazz has been this popular,” said White.

For these young musicians, Jazz offers a freedom you can’t find in other genres.

“I don’t like reading sheet music for two hours straight. I’d rather come up with my own …