About Us
The Desert Winds Freedom Band is a large and diverse community musical group based in Palm Springs, California. Founded by Gary Moline in 2001 with just 17 members, the band has grown steadily both in membership and concert attendance. Now in its 21st season, the band has grown to over 80 members who truly enjoy rehearsing, performing, and meeting new and interesting people during our September through May season. A fabulous mix of Palm Springs diversity, the band has members who were former professional musicians as well as those who picked up their instruments again in retirement, young and old (age range 17 to 91), gay and straight, valley residents and seasonal visitors. Besides our local/regional members, the band includes people from a number of states and several Canadian Provinces. Auditions are not required, but people applying for band membership should be able to read music. If you think you might want to become a member of our band, check out the Join link.
In addition to our Fall and Spring Concert performances, the Band often plays a Holiday Concert and performs more informally at the Desert AIDS Walk, Greater Palm Springs Pride Parade, as well as other community events on request. Bedsides the large Symphonic Band our organization includes a Jazz Ensemble, a Pep Band, and a Marching Band.
In addition to our Fall and Spring Concert performances, the Band often plays a Holiday Concert and performs more informally at the Desert AIDS Walk, Greater Palm Springs Pride Parade, as well as other community events on request. Bedsides the large Symphonic Band our organization includes a Jazz Ensemble, a Pep Band, and a Marching Band.
We Promote Community Music in the Desert
Desert Winds Freedom Band provides our desert community with the chance to rehearse and perform music together. Our Artistic Director Dean McDowell chooses music which is challenging to our members and exciting to our audiences. The band has commissioned several new works, for example, 'Mother of a Revolution', composed by Omar Thomas to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Stonewall Riots in New York City.
Desert Winds Freedom Band is a 501(c )(3) non-profit organization. We are members of Pride Bands Alliance and we hosted their National Convention in November 2016 during Greater Palm Springs Pride week.
Desert Winds Freedom Band is a 501(c )(3) non-profit organization. We are members of Pride Bands Alliance and we hosted their National Convention in November 2016 during Greater Palm Springs Pride week.