By ANDY GARDNER

MASSENA -- Two members of the Massena Music Friends asked the Board of Education to spare the school music program from the chopping block, should they have to make program or staff cuts next year.

“If there are any cuts to music, it will mean a certain segment of the student body will be without staff or experiences,” Music Friends member Suzanne Daye said. “A level of music education will cease.”

Daye and Carol Pulley each told the board that the group, which raises money for Massena music programs, is eyeing projects in the near future.

“At this tough time for school funding, we recognize you cannot provide all the funding needed,” Pulley said.

Daye said it includes buying a new bass clarinet, a new tuba and “other large instruments.” The group is also looking at refurbishing a concert grand piano that dates to the construction of the St. Lawrence Seaway.

Board Finance Committee Chairman Loren Fountaine said they are looking at cuts for next year because the governor’s office won’t release state aid runs. Gov. Andrew Cuomo has threatened to give no increase in state aid next year if his education reforms don’t pass. Fountaine said if that happens, the district will have to start slashing.