From left are Aireanah Thomforde, Fallon Sanders, Colton Lord, Landon Bray, and Trenton Halvas, five Norway-Vulcan students who are trying out trombones while exploring what instrument they want to play in the fall. A grant from the Dickinson County chapter of the Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel purchased Extendabones, a device that attaches to a trombone slide and extends the reach of the trombone player.

NORWAY — The Dickinson County chapter of the Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel awarded a mini-grant of $125 earlier this year to Kaitlyn Ware, music educator at Norway-Vulcan Area Schools.

Through this grant the music department was able to purchase multiple Extendabones. An Extendabone is a device that attaches to a trombone slide and extends the reach of the trombone player.

Often when young children are beginning their journey as a band musician they go through an instrument fitting process. This process often takes into consideration not just a student’s musical interest but also their natural aptitude and physique.

Without being able to reach the farther slide positions, students are not able to play some of the notes.

At times, people might be directed away from trombone because of their arm span despite their passion for the instrument.

However, the Extendabone attachment allows anyone to comfortably play trombone regardless of their size. As the company advertises on their website, “Even a T-Rex can play trombone with Extendabone.”

Thanks to the purchase of the Extendabone devices made possible through the grant provided by MARSP future students at Norway-Vulcan who are passionate about trombone will be able to follow their hearts’ desire without physical limitations.