Desert Winds Music Education Outreach Activities

Learn about our local school band workshops and college music scholarships

Thirteen years of awards!

Thirteen years ago, our Artistic Director proposed to the board that the Band create scholarships for local high school graduates accepted into music education programs at the college level. Since then, the Band has distributed a remarkable $69,500 in scholarships.

During our 2025 Spring Concert, we awarded TEN scholarships, the highest number to date. If you wish to support the continuation of this program, we invite you to consider making a donation to the Davidson Education Fund using the Donate Button below.

Desert Winds Sponsored

School Band Workshops

Over a decade ago, our Artistic Director, Dean McDowell, pioneered a cherished tradition where each year, during the Band's Spring Concert, we welcome a Guest Composer/Conductor to rehearse with and lead the Band in one or more of their original works.

In the same week, organized by the Artistic Director, the Guest Composer also visits local valley high schools and middle schools to conduct engaging workshops. During these sessions, students have the unique opportunity to rehearse alongside the Guest Composer, performing one of their pieces while gaining valuable insights into the inspiration behind the music and the creative process that brought it to life. This program has garnered significant interest in schools, with eight different workshops taking place in 2025.

If you wish to support these enriching workshops, we encourage you to consider making a donation to the Davidson Education Fund via the link provided below.