HERKIMER, N.Y. -- The Herkimer Elementary Steel Drum Band will be able to get some new equipment. State Senator James Seward announced Monday the band will receive a $10,000 senate grant for new steel drums.

Senator Seward also took a quick lesson from some of the band members. Herkimer Elementary is the only school in the county that has a band like this. It could cost at least a $1,000 to replace each drum and this grant will allow the music program to expand.

"We are real excited because it not only replaces existing 15 year old steel drum instruments, but it also gives us another set of instruments to start steel drummers at the high school level," said music teacher James Traglia.

"I made a judgment that this is a program that is worthy of support because of the fact that without the additional state support, we may not be able to see the school district afford to expand the program, purchase the new instruments, so that would be a real shame," said Seward.

The music director says students not only get to learn how to play this unique instrument, but also learn about the Caribbean where the drum originates.