The Desert Winds Freedom Band is a non-profit community band in Palm Springs, California, established in 2001 by founder Gary Moline, and currently directed by Dean McDowell, Artistic Director. Since our founding, our membership has expanded from 17 to 115 musicians, encompassing a symphonic band, jazz band, pep band, marching band, and various smaller ensembles.

We are a diverse group open to all from the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. We are composed of dedicated musicians whose goal is to make great music together. Some are retired music professionals and others haven’t played since they graduated from high school or college.

The band is a member of Pride Bands Alliance and in November 2016, Desert Winds was proud to host the tremendously successful Pride Bands Alliance Annual Conference in Palm Springs.

In addition to our concerts, we actively participate in community events throughout the Coachella Valley. Our commitment extends beyond performance. We prioritize music education by awarding college scholarships to local high school graduates aspiring to major in music education. Each spring, we invite a guest composer/conductor to collaborate with our Artistic Director, offering workshops for local high school and middle school bands.