A new grant award means new possibilities for Albert Lea Community Band’s music library.

The Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council confirmed it awarded $4,000 to the local group in the form of a general operating support grant.

Community Band trumpet player Steve Weisgram said the band plans to use the grant for director stipends and equipment.

“We consider music as part of the equipment,” he said.

The band has already purchased a director’s podium and ordered permanent music folders, Weisgram said.

Part of the grant’s mission is to continue allowing the band to perform free concerts for the community.

“By getting the equipment and music and stuff, that helps us play concerts for free,” Weisgram said.

One such concert will occur at 3 p.m. Sunday at First Lutheran Church. Weisgram said the band will play new music purchased by a director whom they intend to reimburse now that funding has come through. The concert is Americana-themed and will include a tribute to George Gershwin and will feature the trombone section.

The Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council awards grants allocated by the Minnesota State Legislature for arts-related programming by nonprofits organizations and individuals.

“It’s one of those things that the voters approved and the legislature approved, and we’re happy that we’re able to follow through and provide that for the area audiences,” Weisgram said.