About the Band
Our Mission
Through music, the Desert Winds Freedom Band connects people, celebrates diversity, and fosters inclusion. With roots in the LGBTQIA+ community, we welcome everyone, focusing on performance and education to make music accessible to all throughout greater Palm Springs area and beyond.
Our Vision
Our Vision is a community where everyone has the opportunity to engage with music, through learning, performing, or listening. We aspire to enrich lives and bring together diverse communities in harmony.
Our Values
- Community: Building connections through music, creating a supportive environment for all.
- Achievement: Striving for musical excellence and personal growth for our members.
- Inclusion & Diversity: Embracing and celebrating every individual's unique identity and background, ensuring our band is a welcoming space for all.
- Opportunity: Making music education and participation accessible to people of all ages and abilities.
- Harmony: Fostering unity within our band and the community, emphasizing collaboration and mutual respect.
- Education: Supporting music education through scholarships and programs, investing in the next generation of musicians.
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 24th season, the Band has grown to over 115 members who enjoy rehearsing, performing, and meeting new friends 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 85), gay and straight, valley residents and seasonal visitors. If you think you might want to become a member of our band, check out the Join Us link.
- A list of Past Desert Winds Freedom Band Appearances can be found HERE
- Desert Winds Freedom Band currently fields a Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, Marching Band, Pep Band, and a number of small ensembles.
- We are members of Pride Bands Alliance
- Desert Winds Freedom Band is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization
Band Leadership
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Artistic Director, Dean McDowell
Dean McDowell pursued his studies in conducting at the University of Michigan, ultimately earning his BA in Music Education in 1975 from Bowling Green State University in Ohio. For 11 years, Mr. McDowell dedicated himself to teaching instrumental, choral, and elementary music in Ohio. His passionate and effective mentorship of young musicians earned him the Martha Holding Jennings Scholarship for Outstanding Teacher and Leadership. Energized by his love for music, Dean directed community theater productions and played euphonium in the Capital Pride Band of Columbus, a group co-founded by his partner, Bob. His talent for bringing ideas to fruition led Dean to transition from Music Educator to a sought-after tour planner, collaborating with hundreds of high school music departments to create unforgettable tours for thousands of students both in the U.S. and abroad. He is currently re-engaged in this field part-time as a tour director for Bob Rogers Travel.
In 2006, Dean made a permanent move from Columbus, Ohio, to the Coachella Valley. In 2007, he was recruited as the permanent Artistic Director for the Desert Winds Freedom Band, which was in need of strong leadership. Under Dean’s experienced guidance, the band has evolved into a highly respected musical organization that embraces both LGBT and LGBT-friendly members in the Coachella Valley. He thrives on the challenge of inspiring the band’s volunteer musicians, and the audiences have responded enthusiastically. His primary focus lies in designing future performances that captivate audiences, enhancing visibility, and ensuring the financial health of the band.
Thirteen years ago, Dean proposed expanding the educational outreach of the band by inviting guest composers and conductors to collaborate with the Desert Winds. This initiative facilitated performances of their works and sponsored workshops for local high school band programs. Additionally, the band has granted $69,500 in scholarships to deserving high school graduates in the Coachella Valley who are pursuing music in college.
Season 24 Desert Winds Board of Directors
