Our Mission
Our mission is to build people through providing quality music education and performing opportunities in California’s Coachella Valley and desert communities.
OUR TEAM
Executive and Winds Director
Matthew Richards
Matthew Richards was born and raised in the Coachella Valley, attended Palm Desert High School, and the University of Redlands. At the UofR, Matt received a BM in Music Education, and an MA in Education. During his time in college, he played trumpet with Pacific Crest Drum and Bugle Corps, Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps, and the Riverside City College Marching Band. Within the color guard medium, Matt has performed with the Vox Artium Summer Color Guard, and has choreographed for the Desert Winds Freedom Band Color Guard for their performances in the Palm Springs Pride Parade.
Upon his return to the Coachella Valley in 2019, Matt has served as the band and color guard director at Indio Middle School, has been an active member of the Desert Winds Freedom Band in Palm Springs, and assists with various high school marching bands through brass instrument instruction and visual design/instruction.
Color Guard Director
Andres Nestor Garcia
Andres Nestor Garcia was born and raised in Houston, Texas where he earned his BS in hospitality at the University of Houston and an MA in education. While attending university, Andres spent his time as a color guard performer in various ensembles including The Cadets, Santa Clara Vanguard, and Code Black Independent. During this time he began teaching color guard and marching band with an extensive list of schools. He spent a majority of this time learning the ins and outs of the activity as an instructor, choreographer and designer.
In 2019, Andres made the move to the Coachella Valley to continue teaching elementary aged children and currently teaches 5th grade in Palm Springs Unified School District. Along with this, Andres also teaches Raymond Cree Middle School and Indio High School's color guards. During his time in California, Andres has spent 2022 and 2023 WGI seasons performing with the acclaimed Fantasia winterguard.
WHAT WE DO
Desert Performing Arts Association was established in 2023 to provide quality music education and performing opportunities in California’s Coachella Valley and desert communities.
This summer we launched our first ever educational camp. We want to give a special thanks to the Artists Council at the Galen in Palm Desert, CA for hosting our performance showcase at the conclusion of our camp.
Our competitive ensembles:
Del Sol Winds
Las Palmas Winter Guard
