A gala performance to benefit the UNLV Endangered Instrument Project, which offers free lessons and instruments to at-risk children, will be presented at 7:30 p.m. March 4 inside the Doc Rando Recital Hall of the Beam Music Center.

The performance features music for the bassoon, horn and oboe, as well as Sierra Winds members Stephen Caplan, Janis McKay, Bill Bernatis and visiting Indiana State University horn professor Brian Kilp. Tickets are $3 in advance and $5 at the door.

The UNLV Endangered Instrument Project was founded in 2001 to provide children in nine at-risk Clark County middle schools free use of instruments and lessons on the bassoon, oboe and horn.

"This project is an opportunity for the community to help at-risk children develop life skills that can earn them a college scholarship, while improving their self-esteem, discipline and academic performance," said Dr. Janis McKay, assistant music professor and founder of the Endangered Instrument Project. "It also is an opportunity for Las Vegas to support and embrace the arts while investing in the future of classical music."

The concert will feature the "endangered instruments" (bassoon, horn and oboe) in various combinations, both solo and ensemble. Music by Mozart, Brahms and others will be performed.

"There will be numerous opportunities to learn more about these instruments, as well as the Endangered Instrument Project, at the event," said McKay.

To purchase advance tickets, please send a check for $3 and a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: EIP Gala tickets, c/o Dr. Janis McKay, Department of Music, 4505 Maryland Parkway, Box 455025, Las Vegas, NV, 89154-5025. Credit cards cannot be accepted. Checks should be made payable to the UNLV Foundation-EIP.

Guest artist Dr. Brian T. Kilp joined the faculty of Indiana State University in 1998 as assistant professor of horn/music theory. A member of the touring New Sousa Band, he is currently principal horn of the Terre Haute Symphony. Kilp also performs frequently with the Indianapolis Opera, the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, the Lafayette Symphony, the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra and various other ensembles. Kilp has given recital performances and clinics in Beijing, Tianjin and Shenyang, China and will be returning to teach and perform in Shenyang, Harbin, Beijing and Xi'an for six weeks later this year.