Reno Jazz Orchestra to perform at opera house

A steak dinner followed by a Reno Jazz Orchestra concert will begin at

5 p.m. Saturday at Piper's Opera House as a fundraiser for music programs in Virginia City's schools.

The Reno Jazz Orchestra Jazz Sextet will conduct a clinic with the jazz ensembles from the Virginia City high and middle schools from

2-5 p.m. that day.

"Along with learning more about the music, the students also will gain knowledge about being critiqued, applying constructive criticism, technique and timing, performing under pressure, and self-expression through improvisation," according to a press release.

The steak dinner is $8, and tickets are available at the door. The concert, with a special appearance by the Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra, is free.

For more information, contact band director Matt Breithaupt at mbreithaupt@storey.k12.nv.us or at 315-2716.

The program where orchestra members work with young musicians has been going on for more than 10 years and is sponsored by the E.L. Cord Foundation, Nevada Arts Council and the Musicians Union Performance Trust Fund.