Matt Richards is the Founder and Executive Director of the Desert Performing Arts Association, where he also serves as Ensemble Director for Del Sol Winds.

A lifelong member of the Coachella Valley community, Matt grew up in the valley and attended Palm Desert High School. His connection to the region continues to inspire his commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for local students and performers.

Matt holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education and a Master of Arts in Learning and Teaching from the University of Redlands. He began his teaching career as the Band and Color Guard Director at Indio Middle School, where he served for five years. During this time, he also worked as a visual technician and choreographer with several Southern California high school programs - primarily in the Coachella Valley area.

As a performer in the marching arts, Matt has performed as a trumpet player with Pacific Crest Drum and Bugle Corps, the Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps, Blue Devils International, and the Riverside City College Marching Tigers. He has also performed with Vox Artium Summer Color Guard Ensemble.

Through his work as an educator, performer, director, and choreographer, Matt is passionate about creating meaningful opportunities for students and performers to grow, connect, and experience the transformative power of the marching arts.

Michael Kalb was born and raised in the Coachella Valley, and has been involved in music here for over a decade. He received his Bachelor’s in Music Education from the University of Redlands, and has since worked with several schools throughout the valley, such as La Quinta Middle School and Desert Ridge Academy, as a saxophone technician, as well as interim band director for La Quinta High School. He also provides saxophone lessons to several students at Cathedral City High School. He currently performs with the COD Symphonic Band, COD Jazz Band, and the Southland Wind Ensemble. 

Ernest Lopez is a professional trombonist and music educator and a Coachella Valley native. He graduated from the University of Redlands in 2025 with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance. Ernest works with middle and high school musicians through private instruction, section coaching, and ensemble support. He is passionate about helping students develop strong musical fundamentals, confidence, and a lifelong appreciation for music. Alongside his work as an educator, Ernest is a freelancing musician and has performed across the country in venues such as Walt Disney Concert Hall, Segerstrom Concert Hall, and Carnegie Hall, and also has recorded an album at Warner Bros. Studios with the Studio Intensive Orchestra.