The Greater Des Moines Community Band (GDMCB) was recently awarded a $1,834 Polk County Community Betterment Grant to support the purchase of instruments. The new instruments will expand the Band’s percussion section and allow for the programming of a more diverse and dynamic body of music, including classical, contemporary, jazz, and cultural works.
“The grant allows us to program a more extensive repertoire and present artistically complete performances that resonate with a wider range of audiences,” said Jess Heidbreder of the GDMCB. “These instruments help us connect with people across Polk County by offering culturally relevant music and high-quality live performances in community spaces where access to the arts may otherwise be limited.”
As a volunteer, service-oriented ensemble, the GDMCB is committed to removing financial, geographic, and social barriers to arts participation by offering free performances at concerts, festivals, parks, retirement communities, and civic events across the region. The expanded percussion section strengthens the Band’s ability to perform in nontraditional and underserved venues, reaching older adults, individuals with mobility or transportation challenges, and families with limited access to live arts programming.
The grant also supports the Band’s youth education initiatives. Through its scholarship program, student musicians rehearse and perform alongside experienced adult musicians, gaining real-world ensemble experience while developing confidence and musical leadership. “Access to high-quality percussion instruments ensures students are prepared for future musical study and lifelong participation in the arts,” Heibreder said.
In addition to its cultural and educational impact, the grant contributes to local economic vitality by drawing residents to public spaces and community events, supporting nearby businesses and reinforcing Polk County’s identity as a vibrant and welcoming arts community.