Fifth-grader born without hands plays trombone in honors band

Mike Krumboltz
Sara McKinney plays the trombone. (Cindy Hepner/South Jersey Times)
Sara McKinney plays the trombone. (Cindy Hepner/South Jersey Times)

Sara McKinney was born without hands, but that hasn't stopped the fifth-grade musician from tackling life's challenges.

An NJ.com profile explains that Sara recently earned a seat in the South Jersey Elementary Honors Band, which is made up of the eight counties in southern New Jersey.

Her music teacher, Gary Schneider, told NJ.com that Sara is one of the best trombone players he has ever taught.

"Sara’s just another trombone player—she doesn’t have limitations. We really thought the trombone would be best and would not hold her back from anything,” Schneider explained to NJ.com.

Sara told NJ.com that she wanted to play an instrument "from the first day I had music."

Learning to play the trombone with her prosthetics has been a challenge for the 10-year-old, reports NJ.com.

“It’s been difficult, but I always manage to find a way,” Sara explained. “I’ve also been working on trying to face my fears with crowds.”