Musicians from the

are taking their message to the State Fair today. An ensemble will perform at the AFL-CIO building at Dan Patch and Cooper, not far from the main fair entrance on Snelling Avenue. The players are launching an initiative called "Save the SPCO," taking their message public on the state of contract negotiations with the orchestra. Early proposals from the board would have slashed salaries and cut performances so drastically that players felt they were being reduced to part time. Board representatives say they have heard the musicians' response and plan modifications to the original offers. At the fair, musicians will play a free concert at 12:30 today and hand out fliers promoting their position and educating "Minnesotans about the consequences of Management's current proposal." The contract expires Sept. 30.