Orchestra is hosting a dinner at Clay’s Restaurant on Monday, April 17th to raise funds for their program.

“We’re going to play our UIL program, and some pop songs while we’re there,” sophomore Grace Steed said.

Clay’s is a locally-run business, serving country-style food in a barnyard atmosphere. Animals roam the grounds, and most can be visited and petted. The restaurant has many open, outdoor spaces, and plenty of room for large groups.

“It’ll be a fun time, you’ll get to hear a preview of our contest music, and you can support a local business while you’re at it,” orchestra director Melissa Shideler said.

Ten percent of the night’s proceeds will go to the orchestra, helping to pay for this year’s banquet, clinicians, and more. Both the orchestra and Clay’s can benefit from the brief partnership.

“Some of the seniors in our class work at Clay’s, so they contacted the restaurant and got the whole thing together,” Steede said.

Clay’s night will give the varsity orchestra group a chance to practice performing their contest pieces. UIL is only 2 weeks away, and the students are ready to get out there and show their stuff.

“We’re getting an opportunity to play the music we’ve worked so hard on,” Steed said.

Anyone who wants to support the orchestra can come down to Clay’s on Monday, located at 17717 Clay Rd, Houston, TX 77084.