​Our History

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 19th 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. If you think you might want to become a member of our band, check out the Join Us link.
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In addition to our Fall and Spring Concert performances, the Band 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  Symphonic Band our organization includes a  Jazz Band, a Flute Ensemble, a Pep Band, and a Marching Band. 

​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.

Our Purpose

Community - Desert Winds Freedom Band provides an opportunity for amateur musicians of all ages and experience who love to make music with others for their enjoyment in a safe and friendly environment.

Achievement - Under the direction of Artistic Director Dean McDowell, band members are presented with music from pop to classical.  Our musicians work hard together to learn and perform entertaining and challenging music to delight our audiences and to attain their own satisfaction.

Inclusion - Although the Band has a focus on the LGBTQ community in Palm Springs, our membership is diverse and broadly representative of our valley's population and seasonal visitors.  Although members are assessed dues annually,  assistance is available for those with need.  In some cases donated instruments may be available.

Harmony - Desert Winds Freedom Band values all of it's membership, volunteers and supporters.  We strive to make the band a supportive and fair organization where members not only make music, but friends.

Education - The Band has a strong focus on fostering musical development in our local community through scholarship and workshops at local middle and high schools.  Each year the Band awards a number of $1000 scholarships to deserving High School seniors who plan to pursue a major in music, music education or composition in college.  Each spring, the band supports a series of workshops at local schools with our Artistic Director and a guest composer/conductor which gives students an opportunity to achieve a deeper understanding of the music they are playing while having a  unique glimpse at the  process and inspiration behind the creation of a musical composition.

2020-2021 SEASON

7/2021 Zoom performance of 'Appalachian Legacy' by  Robert Sheldon
9/17/2020 Zoom performance of 'Land of Healing Waters' by Rossano Galante
12/16/2020 Zoom performance of 'Christmas from the 50's' arranged by Douglas Wagner

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2019-2020 SEASON

10/19/2019  2019 AIDS Walk, Palm Springs
11/3/2019    Greater Palm Springs Pride Parade
11/23/2019  All Gershwin!, Fall Concert, Jewish Community Center/Temple Isaiah
12/14/2019  Sounds of the Holidays, Holiday Concert, Jewish Community Center/Temple Isaiah
2/23/2020    Isn’t It Romantic, Jazz Band Concert & Fundraiser, Palm Springs Pavilion

2018-2019 SEASON

10/20/2018  2018 AIDS Walk, Palm Springs
11/4/2018    Greater Palm Springs Pride Parade
11/17/2018  Myths + Legends, Fall Concert, Palm Springs High School
2/17/2019    Isn’t It Romantic, Jazz Band Concert & Fundraiser, Palm Springs Pavilion
3/30/2019    When We Rise!, Spring Concert, Jewish Community Center/Temple Isaiah
5/9/2019      Spring POPS Concert, Jewish Community Center/Temple Isaiah

2016-2017 SEASON

10/22/2016  2016 AIDS Walk, Palm Springs
11/3/2016 -11/6/2016 Hosted the Lesbian and Gay Band Association (LGBA) Conference
11/3/2016    Steel Drum Band Performance at LGBA Conference, Hyatt Hotel, Palm Springs 
11/5/2016    California Gold, LGBA 2016 Pride Concert, Palm Springs High School
11/6/2016    LGBA Marching Band at the Greater Palm Springs Pride Parade
11/13/2016  Grand Opening of the new LGBT Community Center, Jazz Sextet
11/17/2016  Steel Drum Band performs at the Palm Springs Street Fair, Palm Springs
12/4/2016    Home for the Holidays, Holiday Concert, Jewish Community Center/Temple Isaiah
1/11/2017    Isn’t It Romantic, Jazz Band Concert, Jewish Community Center/Temple Isaiah
3/19/2017    Opera Arts Band Concert, Palm Desert
3/26/2017    Music and the World of Dance, Spring Concert, Jewish Community Center/Temple Isaiah
4/9/2017      Sunday Brunch with the Desert Winds Fundraiser
4/29/2017    Thunderbird Country Club Concert, Palm Desert
5/20/2017   Our American Heritage, Armed Forces Day Concert, Palm Desert Civic Center Park

2015-2016 SEASON

10/17/2015  2015 AIDS Walk, Palm Springs
10/24/2015  Swing! Swing! Swing!, Jazz Band Concert, Jewish Community Center/Temple Isaiah,
12/6/2015    Holiday Magic, Holiday Concert, Jewish Community Center/Temple Isaiah, Palm Springs
1/23/2016    Tour de Palm Springs Charity Bike Ride
4/3/2016      Music of the Masters: Past & Present, Spring Concert, Jewish Community Center/Temple Isaiah
4/16/2016    Thunderbird Country Club Concert, Palm Desert
5/21/2016    Rancho Mirage Library Concert

2014-2015 SEASON

• 8/7/2014      Hot Desert Night, Bloom in the Desert Ministries Benefit, Jazz Combo at Azul
• 9/23/2014    5th Annual Band Mixer, CRAVE, Palm Springs
• 10/18/2014  2014 AIDS Walk, Palm Springs
• 10/25/2014  All That Jazz, Jazz Band Concert, Jewish Community Center/Temple Isaiah
• 10/29/2014  Stonewall Gardens Grand Opening, Jazz Combo
• 11/9/2014    Greater Palm Springs Pride Parade
• 12/7/2014     Joy: A Holiday Concert, Jewish Community Center/Temple Isaiah, Palm Springs
• 3/22/2015     Music for the Silver Screen, Spring Concert, Jewish Community Center/Temple Isaiah
• 5/30/2015     An American Portrait, Rancho Mirage Library Concert
• 6/25/2015     From Moses to Gershwin, Jewish Community Center/Temple Isaiah, Palm Springs

2013-2014 SEASON

• 9/17/2013    4th Annual Band Mixer, Tropicale, Palm Springs
• 10/19/2013  2013 AIDS Walk, Palm Springs
• 11/3/2013    Greater Palm Springs Pride Parade
• 11/18/2013  Concert: DWFB & CCHS Symphony Band, Rancho Mirage High School
• 12/7/2013    Holiday Concert, Palm Springs High School Auditorium
• 2/8/2014      Tour de Palm Springs Charity Bike Ride
• 3/22/2014    Spring Concert, Helene Galen Performing Arts Center, RMHS
• 3/27/2014    Goodbye Marilyn (Farewell to Marilyn Statue)
• 4/13/2014    Jazz In the Afternoon Fundraiser
• 5/31/2014    Rancho Mirage Library Concert

2012-2013 SEASON

• 9/25/2012    3rd Annual Band Mixer, Tropicale, Palm Springs
• 11/4/2012    Greater Palm Springs Pride Parade
• 11/18/2012  Aloft with Classics Benefit, Michael H Lord Gallery, Palm Springs
• 12/9/2012    Holiday Concert, Annenberg Theater, Palm Springs Art Museum
• 2/9/2013      Tour de Palm Springs Charity Bike Ride
• 3/7/2013      Rancho Casa Blanca Americana Concert
• 3/23/2013    Spring Concert, Palm Springs High School Auditorium
• 4/7/2013      Jazz in the Afternoon Fundraiser
• 6/8/2013      Rancho Mirage Library Concert

2011-2012 SEASON

• 9/20/2011    2nd Annual Band Mixer, Tropicale, Palm Springs
• 10/22/2011  2011 Desert AIDS Walk, Palm Springs
• 11/6/2011    Greater Palm Springs Pride Parade
• 12/10/2011  Holiday Concert, Annenberg Theater, Palm Springs Art Museum
• 2/11/2012    Tour de Palm Springs Charity Bike Ride
• 3/24/2012    Spring Concert, Palm Springs High School Auditorium
• 4/15/2012    Jazz in the Afternoon Fundraiser
• 6/9/2012      Summer Concert, Rancho Mirage Library

2010-2011 SEASON

• 10/31/2009  2009 Desert AIDS Walk, Palm Springs
• 11/8/2009    Greater Palm Springs Pride Parade
• 12/13/2009  Holiday Concert, Annenberg Theater, Palm Springs Art Museum
• 2/13/2010    Tour de Palm Springs Charity Bike Ride, SAG Stop Entertainment
• 3/7/2010      Palm Springs Gay Softball League, Season Opening Ceremonies
• 3/21/2010    Spring Concert, Palm Springs High School Auditorium
• 6/6/2010      Palm Springs Power Baseball Game, Palm Springs Stadium
• 6/19/2010    Summer Concert, Rancho Mirage Library

2008-2009 SEASON

• 9/20/2008    LaLaPOOLooza Benefit, Hotel Zoso, Palm Springs
• 10/25/2008  2008 Desert AIDS Walk, Palm Springs
• 11/2/2008    Greater Palm Springs Pride Parade
• 12/14/2008  Holiday Concert, Annenberg Theater, Palm Springs Art Museum
• 2/14/2009    Tour de Palm Springs Charity Bike Ride, SAG Stop Entertainment
• 3/2/2009      Rancho Casa Blanca Americana Concert
• 3/29/2009    Spring Concert, Annenberg Theater, Palm Springs Art Museum
• 6/1/2009      Summer Concert, Sun City, Palm Desert
• 6/20/2009    Summer Concert, Rancho Mirage Library

2007-2008 SEASON

• 9/22/2007    LaLaPOOLooza Benefit, Hotel Zoso, Palm Springs
• 10/27/2007  2007 Desert AIDS Walk, Palm Springs
• 11/3/2007    Greater Palm Springs Pride Festival
• 11/4/2007    Greater Palm Springs Pride Parade
• 12/9/207      Holiday Concert, Church of St. Paul in the Desert, Palm Springs
• 2/9/2008      Tour de Palm Springs Charity Bike Ride, SAG Stop Entertainment
• 4/6/2008      Spring Concert, Annenberg Theater, Palm Springs Art Museum
• 6/28/2008    Summer Concert, Rancho Mirage Library
• 7/3/2008      Summer Concert, Cathedral City Fountainworks! Celebration

2006-2007 SEASON

• 10/28/2006  2006 Desert AIDS Walk, Palm Springs
• 11/5/2006    Greater Palm Springs Pride Parade
• 12/9/2006    Holiday Concert, Church of St. Paul in the Desert, Palm Springs
• 2/10/2007    Tour de Palm Springs Charity Bike Ride, SAG Stop Entertainment
• 3/18/2007    Spring Concert, Indian Wells Theater, CSUSB, Palm Desert
• 7/1/2007      Summer Concert, Church of St. Paul in the Desert, Palm Springs

2004-2005 SEASON

• 10/23/2004  Fall Concert, Church of St. Paul in the Desert, Palm Springs
• 11/7/2004    Greater Palm Springs Pride Parade
• 11/14/2004  Walk-A-Thon, Stroke Activity Center, Palm Springs
• 12/11/2004  Holiday Concert, Church of St. Paul in the Desert, Palm Springs
• 2/24/2005    Desert Pride Center Light Up the Night Ceremony, Palm Springs
• 3/13/2005    2005 Desert AIDS Walk, Sunrise Park, Palm Springs
• 4/4/2005      Bits and Bites, Westin Mission Hiils, Rancho Mirage
• 6/4/2005      Spring Concert, Church of St. Paul in the Desert, Palm Springs

2003-2004 SEASON    

• 10/14/2003  Concert in the Park, Sunrise Park, Palm Springs
• 11/1/2003    Greater Palm Springs Pride Festival Concert
• 11/2/2003    Greater Palm Springs Pride Parade
• 12/14/2003  Holiday Concert, Camelot Theatre, Palm Springs
• 2/15/2004    Celebrate Our Diversity, Sunrise Park, Palm Springs
• 3/21/2004    2004 Desert AIDS Walk, Sunrise Park, Palm Springs
• 5/29/2004    Spring Concert, Church of St. Paul in the Desert, Palm Springs

2002-2003 SEASON

• 10/5/2002    GAYFBLA Concert (Desert Winds Freedom Band participation)
• 10/20/2002  Festival of the Waters, Desert Hot Springs
• 11/2/2002    Greater Palm Springs Pride Festival Concert
• 11/3/2002    Greater Palm Springs Pride Parade
• 12/20/2002  Holiday Concert at Church of St. Paul in the Desert, Palm Springs
• 3/30/2003    2003 AIDS Walk, Palm Springs
• 4/27/2003    Swing Into Spring Concert at UMC Palm Springs
• 6/1/2003      2nd Annual Wine Country Community Band Festival, Temecula

2001-2002 SEASON 

• 11/28/2001  First rehearsal at Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce
• 12/13/2001  First rehearsal at Palm Regency Clubhouse
• 3/10/2002    Rainbow Festival of Flags, Cathedral City
• 4/5/2002      First Friday Festival, Palm Springs
• 4/14/2002    2002 AIDS Walk, Palm Springs
• 4/27/2002    GAYFBLA Concert (Desert Winds Freedom Band participation)
• 6/8/2002      First Concert, Church of St. Paul in the Desert, Palm Springs
• 7/25/2002    Christmas in July with PS Front Runners & Walkers

2001

• 8/1/2001      An idea for a band
• 10/6/2001    First organizational meeting
• 11/3/2001    First booth at Greater Palm Springs Pride Festival
• 11/4/2001    Four Desert Winds Freedom Band members join GAYFBLA in Greater Palm Springs Pride Parade
• 11/15/2001  Second organizational meeting