Photo courtesy of Kari Noll The Chassell Band Back Row: Austin Goodall, Arvid Anderson, Weston Vizina, Luke Kauma, Henry Noble, Clare Zimmer, Kate Palosaari, Eve Noble. Front row: Samuel Tarvainen, Emma Rothenberger, Dayoni Bemis, Bailey Goodall, Logan Diedrich, Alaina Diedrich, Bella Kotila and Samantha Fluegge. Band director: Kari Noll

CHASSELL — The Chassell Township Schools music program was awarded an $18,603 grant from the State of Michigan Arts and Culture Council (MACC) through a competitive process that included 678 applicants statewide.

“This grant is significant for small music programs like ours, and we are incredibly grateful to MACC for their support,” said Kari Noll, Chassell elementary music teacher and band director.

“High-quality, school-owned equipment doesn’t typically fit within a standard program budget, so we rely on support from our community and organizations at the state and local level. We’ve been very fortunate to benefit from that this year.”

The MACC grant will allow Chassell to purchase a portable band shell, Orff instruments for elementary music classes and a baritone saxophone for the school’s band program. According to a. press release from the district, “these resources will directly benefit students by expanding access to high-quality instruments as well as creating a better sound balance for ensembles in the gym setting where concerts are held.”