Education and Outreach

The Desert Winds College Scholarship Program supports local high school graduates pursuing music education at the college level. Established at the initiative of the Artistic Director, the program has awarded nearly $80,000 in scholarships to aspiring young musicians throughout the Coachella Valley.

At our 2025 Spring Concert, Desert Winds awarded ten scholarships—the highest number in the program's history. We encourage eligible high school students pursuing music education in college to apply using the button below. Those wishing to support the next generation of musicians can contribute to the Davidson Education Fund using the donation button further down this page.

School Band Workshops

Each spring, Palm Springs Desert Winds welcomes a guest composer/conductor to rehearse with the band and conduct performances of their original works. Established by Artistic Director Dean McDowell more than a decade ago, the program also brings visiting composers into local middle and high schools.

Through hands-on workshops, students rehearse music with the composer who wrote it and learn firsthand about the creative process behind the work. The program continues to grow, with ten school workshops held in 2026.



Contributions to the Davidson Education Fund help support these programs and expand opportunities for young musicians. Donations can be made using the button below.