ADAMS COUNTY, COLORADO SUPERINTENDENT DR. JOHN LANGE RECEIVES SECOND ANNUAL AWARD FOR DISTINGUISHED SUPPORT OF MUSIC

Award given by the VH1 Save The Music Foundation, NAMM: The International Music Products Association and Comcast

San Diego, CA - February 23, 2006 - Dr. John Lange, superintendent of Adams County School District 14, has been named the recipient of the second annual Administrator Award for Distinguished Support of Music Education. Dr. Lange was chosen for his commitment to ensuring that music education is part of the core curriculum in all public schools in Adams County School District 14 in Commerce City, CO.

The award is co-sponsored by the VH1 Save The Music Foundation, NAMM, the International Music Products Association and Comcast in cooperation with the American Association of School Administrators (AASA). It honors a superintendent or school CEO who has exhibited outstanding commitment to restoring music education in his or her school district and will be presented at this years AASA's 138th National Conference on Education on February 23rd.

In 1998, Dr. John Lange became superintendent of Adams County School District 14 (ACSD 14) and brought a strong belief in advocacy for music education and its role in educating the whole child. As the leader of ACSD 14, he has continued to defend the need for music education even in the face of adversity and budget cuts. In 1998, the VH1 Save The Music Foundation, in partnership with Comcast, provided over $50,000 worth of new musical instruments to jumpstart instrumental music programs in the Adams County Public Schools 14. NAMM member music retailer, Flesher-Hinton helped deliver the instruments and continues to work with the school district as the program has grown.

During Lange's tenure the school district has built upon this grant. Now music education reaches 100% of elementary age students through full-time general music programs and all elementary schools provide access to band and string instruction. Throughout the district's middle and high schools, students have access to the benefits of music education through an array of music courses, including the first Mariachi program in Colorado.

"Our district is unusual in that we have 81% of our students who are on a free and reduced lunch program. Enabling our students to study music and play instruments at no cost to them makes our program even more significant," stated Lange. "I believe that part of the reason for the steady increase in ACSD 14 test scores is the presence of a strong music education program."

"Music education is such an important part of the K-12 educational experience," said AASA Executive Director Paul Houston. "It is just as important as test scores and Dr. Lange clearly understands that. AASA is proud to honor him for his commitment to music education. Programs such as those provided throughout the Adams County School District 14 give wings to children's' dreams and that's really what education should be about."

"Dr. Lange's commitment to continuing music education programs in Adams County School District 14 truly embody the intent of this award," said Paul Cothran, VH1 Save The Music Foundation Executive Director. "The large part that music plays in the life an ACSD 14 public school student is a testament to his commitment to ensuring that all students have access to the benefits of music education."

"We understand the budget pressures that our local schools face on a daily basis, therefore we continue to support the VH1 Save The Music Foundation and work to keep music alive in our schools in order to give our community's children as many advantages as possible for future success," said Comcast Vice President and General Manager, Rich Jennings. "We congratulate Dr. Lange for his dedication to music education and receiving this prestigious award!"

Research consistently shows that musical study develops critical thinking and self discipline skills and improves a child's early cognitive development, basic math and reading abilities, self-esteem, SAT scores, ability to work in teams, spatial reasoning skills, and school attendance. Also, researchers have found that children involved with music education are more likely to graduate from high school and attend college, and are less likely to be involved with gangs and substance abuse.

AASA, founded in 1865, is the professional organization for more than 13,000 educational leaders across America and in many other countries. AASA's mission is to support and develop effective school system leaders who are dedicated to the highest quality public education for all children. AASA's major focus is standing up for public education.

Since VH1 Save The Music was created in 1997, more than $30 million worth of new musical instruments has been donated to 1,200 public schools in 80 cities, improving the lives of more than 700,000 children. VH1 Save The Music's many honors include the Governors' Award (a special Emmy Award), the George Foster Peabody Award for broadcast and cable excellence, and many Beacon Awards.

NAMM: The International Music Products Association, commonly called NAMM in reference to the organization's popular NAMM trade shows, is the not-for-profit association that unifies, leads and strengthens the $16 billion global musical instruments and products industry. NAMM's activities and programs are designed to promote music making to people of all ages. NAMM is comprised of over 9,000 Member companies.

Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA, CMCSK) (www.comcast.com) is the nation's leading provider of cable, entertainment and communications products and services. With 21.4 million cable customers, 7.7 million high-speed Internet customers, and 1.2 million voice customers, Comcast is principally involved in the development, management and operation of broadband cable networks and in the delivery of programming content.

Comcast, whose regional offices are located in Denver, Colorado, serves 700,000 customers and employs more than 1,700 people in the Colorado region.

Contact: Maura Wozniak/VH1
212-846-7325
maura.wozniak@vh1staff.com

Barbara Knisely Michelman/AASA
(703) 875-0723
bmichelman@aasa.org

Tiffany K. Payne/Comcast
303-603-2515
Tiffany_payne@cable.comcast.com

###