Dear Valued Supporters,


The Desert Winds flourishes thanks to the generosity of our members, friends, and fans. Your contributions play a vital role in ensuring that music remains accessible throughout the Coachella Valley, allowing us to support our performances, educational initiatives, and community outreach.

If you feel generous, please make a donation to any of these funds.  More information and links to donate are found below.

Thanks for your support!



Dean McDowell, Artistic Director

Andy Nelson, Band President



Dear Valued Supporters,


The Desert Winds flourishes thanks to the generosity of our members, friends, and fans. Your contributions play a vital role in ensuring that music remains accessible throughout the Coachella Valley, allowing us to support our performances, educational initiatives, and community outreach.

If you feel generous, please make a donation to any of these funds.  More information and links to donate are found below.

Thanks for your support!


Dean McDowell, Artistic Director

Andy Nelson, Band President


Levels of Giving

Titanium ($5000+)

* Listing in the program booklet

* Invitation to guest conductor and donor receptions

* 6 seats held at Will Call for all our seasonal concerts


Platinum ($2500-$4999)

* Listing in the program booklet

* Invitation to guest conductor and donor receptions

* 4 seats held at Will Call for all our seasonal concerts


Gold ($1000-$2499)

* Listing in the program booklet

* Invitation to guest conductor and donor receptions

* 2 seats held at Will Call for all our seasonal concerts


Silver ($500-$999)

* Listing in the program booklet

* Invitation to guest conductor and donor receptions

* 2 seats held at Will Call for our March concert


Bronze ($250-$499)

* Listing in the program booklet

* Invitation to guest conductor and donor receptions


Brass ($100-$249)

* Listing in the program booklet


Ebony ($50-$99)

* Listing in the program booklet



Please note that complimentary tickets for the Jazz Band Concert and Gala Fundraiser are not offered.



General Fund

Our area of Greatest Need

This year, the Band has an exciting lineup of musical performances in store. In addition to our Fall, Spring, and May concerts, we will once again host our Jazz Band Fundraiser at the Cascade Lounge in the Agua Caliente Casino in Palm Springs. We’ll also be revisiting last January’s concert featuring small musical ensembles at St. Margaret's in Palm Desert, along with a variety of free events such as the Tour de Palm Springs, the Palm Springs Pride Parade, and more. Organizing these events requires considerable funding, which is essential for the Band's survival. Contributions to The Fund of Greatest Need will help sustain these programs.












Desert Winds Pep Band Holiday Performance, downtown Palm Springs

Davidson Educational Fund

EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS- Your contributions enable us to invite renowned composers to lead our March concert and visit local middle and high schools for hands-on workshops. These clinics, initiated by our Artistic Director, Dean McDowell, offer students the chance to learn about the creative process directly from the composer. This program is a cornerstone of our community outreach, benefiting local students and teachers, and fostering a love for music among the youth.


SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM= Since 2010, our scholarship program has supported aspiring musicians pursuing higher education in music. Funded initially by the estate of Band member clarinetist, James Hobart Davidson, and supplemented by generous donors, the Blackburn Fingerle Education Trust, and the Davidson Fund, we have awarded over $69,500 in scholarships. Your donations help us continue this vital program, supporting the next generation of musicians and ensuring music education is accessible to all.

Photo of our 10 music scholarship winners last year with our president and artistic director.















2025 Scholarship Winners

Thorsten Commissioned Music Fund

Support from contributors like you through the Thorsten Fund/Gift enables us to commission new pieces for our Symphonic and Jazz Bands. These works frequently explore LGBTQ+ themes or are crafted by LGBTQ+ composers. Notably, composer and band member Rossano Galante has been commissioned to create a fresh composition for the Band's 25th Anniversary in 2026.

Last Year the Band



  • In Season 23 (2024-2025), the Band proudly participated in the Palm Springs Pride Parade and showcased our talent at various public events throughout the valley.
  • We performed at the DAP-Equity Walk, the Tour de Palm Springs Race, and at the Riverside County Fairgrounds during a ceremony honoring our Nation's Veterans.
  • We staged four major concerts that attracted over 1,800 attendees. This season also marked our inaugural Solo & Small Ensemble concert held at St. Margaret's in Palm Desert.
  • We awarded TEN college scholarships to Coachella Valley High School graduates pursuing music majors in college.
  • Additionally, we sponsored TEN workshops for Middle and High School students in the Valley with our Guest Composer leading up to the Spring Concert.
  • We provided 110 local amateur musicians with access to a high-quality community band program.