Ensembles
The Palm Springs Desert Wind
Rehearsals-Thursdays 7-9:30 pm
September through May
Temple Isaiah/JCC, Palm Springs
PSDW is an inclusive, 110-member LGBTQIA+-rooted community ensemble led by Artistic Director Dean McDowell. They perform diverse repertoire at Fall, Spring, May Pops, and valley-wide community events. Rehearsals welcome all skill levels for challenging, and enjoyable music.
Palm Springs Desert Winds Marching Band
Each year in November, our Marching Band takes to the streets for the Palm Springs Pride Parade.
The event continues to grow in popularity, with last year's parade featuring over 200 parade entrants and drawing thousands of spectators to the route.
Palm Springs Desert Winds - Jazz Band
Artistic Director - Dean McDowell
Rehearsals - Thursdays from 5:50 pm to 6:50 pm, September through May
Location - Temple Isaiah in Palm Springs, CA
The Jazz Band features 21 talented musicians who perform classic big band hits, modern jazz and swing. They perform their music at our spring and fall band concerts and star in our annual Gala Concert/fundraiser.
Beyond these formal concerts, the Jazz Band frequently receives requests to perform at the Tour de Palm Springs and occasionally at private events.
The PSDW Pep Band showcases its talent at the downtown Holiday celebration in Palm Springs, as well as at various fundraisers and festivities throughout the Coachella Valley, delivering spirited marches and a blend of popular and holiday tunes. Notably, the Pep Band has participated in the dedication of the California State LGBTQ Veterans Memorial and at a ceremony held at the county fairgrounds to pay tribute to our Nation's Veterans.
PSDW Small Ensembles
Due to Band members interest in chamber music & inventive small ensembles, we launched an annual concert at St. Margaret's Church in Palm Desert, a program entirely dedicated to small-group performances. These concerts have been met with an overwhelming response from the community.
Our current lineup of featured ensembles includes:
Clarinet and Bass Clarinet Choirs
Woodwind Quintets
Flute Choirs
Instrumental Soloists accompanied by piano or organ
Expanding beyond traditional chamber music, we have also formed a "Pop" Band—a versatile group of roughly a dozen musicians who perform contemporary favorites at venues throughout the city.
