Cox, VH1 aim to save school music

By Emily Richmond (contact)

Wednesday, April 2, 2003 | 9:51 a.m.

As the Clark County School District faces drastic budget cuts, officials from Cox Communications and the television network VH1 vowed Tuesday to "save the music" for students.

Steve Schorr, vice president of public and government affairs for the cable system's Southern Nevada operations, said the idea for the joint effort was spurred by Monday's release of a district community survey. While parents, students and community members listed music programs as one of the top five programs they wanted to see maintained, school district employees ranked it lower.

"Music is the cornerstone of every student's well-rounded education," Schorr said. "We believe in taking a community leadership role to preserve valuable music programs during this financial crisis with the Clark County School District."

The latest campaign is an extension of the ongoing partnership between the video music network and Cox, which has already donated more than $750,000 worth of instruments to Clark County schools.

At a news conference inside a Henderson music store, Schorr unveiled a check for $2,500 to kick off the fund-raising drive.

Potential future fund-raisers could include a benefit concert, Schorr said.

At least one Las Vegas act has already signed on -- the Scintas.

"If it weren't for music in public schools none of us would be here," said Frank Scinta, who along with brother Joe and sister Chrissi performs at the Rio. "Music is what kept us off the streets, kept us involved and gave us something positive to focus on."

Frank and Joe Scinta both have children attending Clark County public schools and all are involved in music and the arts.

"Music is their favorite class," said Joe Scinta of his sons, who are both in middle school. "Being able to play an instrument is a source of pride and self-esteem for a kid, it gives them a reason to see themselves as capable and important."

Clark County School Superintendent Carlos Garcia welcomed the help of Cox and VH1, noting it was a grass-roots community effort that helped restore middle school athletics earlier this year.

If the district must cut funding, activities such as travel to music competitions and concerts would likely be one of the first things to go, Garcia said.

"We hate having to tell kids they can't take part in outside activities," Garcia said. "That's the kind of situation where an extra source of funds would be extremely helpful."