51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ's pep band is expected to perform an original theme composed for boxing promoter Don King and one for Mike Tyson at the Tyson/Bruno fight at the MGM Grand on March 16. The music was composed as a way of thanking King for funding the Don King/Showtime Minority Scholarship Fund in the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ College of Fine and Performing Arts, according to Jeff Koep, interim dean of the college.
The scholarship fund, now over a year old, has received $50,000 to date from the King organization, which gives $5,000 from the proceeds of each King-promoted fight in Las Vegas.
So far, 20 students, known as Don King/Showtime Artist Scholars, have been awarded scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. The students who have received the awards are African American, Latino, Asian, and Native American.
"This is the only scholarship fund in the college that is specifically earmarked for minority students," Koep said. "It enables the college to make a serious effort to recruit minority students. A number of the recipients have told us that this scholarship has made it possible for them to complete their educations."
Koep explained that performers, like boxers and other athletes, have an impact on society because they often become role models. So it is appropriate, he says, that "the boxing arts help the fine and performing arts."
There is an "alarming lack" of traditional students from minorities entering the arts, Koep says, adding that children from minority families often are not encouraged to enter the performing arts because -- as is the case with athletics -- the chances for true monetary success are low compared to other possible academic and vocational choices.
"The arts are a true medium for the sharing, preservation, and creation of respect for other cultures," Koep said. "We very much appreciate the support of Don King and his organization."
"The 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ pep band composed a `DK Theme' as a special way of saying thanks to Mr. King," Koep said. "King liked the theme so much that he asked the band to compose a theme for Mike Tyson, as well."
