The Desert Winds

Performer Details

Performer Bio Synopsis

Formed in August 2009, the Desert Winds is widely recognized as Las Vegas’ premiere contemporary wind ensemble. The organization features a roster of over fifty performers that include many local music educators, students and freelance musicians. Since its debut, the Desert Winds has reached thousands of people through both inspiring performances and educational programs. The 2016-17 season marks founding Artistic Director Charles A Maguire's 8th year with the Desert Winds. Upon its establishment, the ensemble has continuously focused on achieving the highest levels of musical artistry under Maguire's direction. The Desert Winds promotes the performance of contemporary wind band literature as a rendering of today’s societal expressions, and strives to advance the appreciation of modern repertoire through outreach to educate, inspire, and entertain audiences. Originally created as an extension of the Desert Spring Arts, the Desert Winds restructured during the summer of 2012 as a charitable fund of the Henderson Community Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, which seeks “to provide resources and support to improve the health, education and quality of life in the community.” Though the ensemble has since evolved from a dectet in its infancy season to its current successful formation, the musical integrity has remained the same because of Maguire's assiduous guidance. Today, the ensemble continues to evolve with each new collaboration and audience. In addition to presenting the finest in contemporary wind ensemble literature, The Desert Winds are committed to taking an active role in the development of music education programming for the greater Las Vegas community. Throughout each concert season, the ensembles present programs for area youth, including in-school concerts and opportunities to perform side-by-side with the ensemble.

The Desert Winds

Conductor's Bio

Charles A. Maguire is the founding Artistic Director of “The Best of Las Vegas Performing Arts Group”, The Desert Winds. In addition to his artistic duties, Mr. Maguire serves as an educational consultant for band directors within the Clark County School District, the largest school music program in the United States. Mr. Maguire holds a Bachelor of Music Education from Troy University and a Master of Music degree in Wind Conducting from the University of Alabama where he served as the assistant conductor of the University Wind Ensemble. Mr. Maguire has been lauded by his colleagues for fostering music programs within diverse and economically challenged school populations. Listed in “Who’s Who Among American Teachers” five consecutive years, Maguire has earned distinction as band programs under his leadership have achieved top honors throughout the southern United States. In 2000 Maguire founded the award winning “Pride of Pleasure Island” band program which grew from 19 students to over 300 students in 3 years. Mr. Maguire is an active performer having held lead roles in musical theater productions and most recently performing within the flute section of the distinguished UNLV Wind Orchestra. Mr. Maguire is also an active guest conductor, adjudicator and clinician throughout the United States. His past and present professional affiliations include The National Band Association, College Band Directors National Association, Alabama Bandmasters Association, National Education Association, Alabama Education Association, Music Educators National Conference, Southern Nevada Band Directors Association and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Professional Music Fraternity. Maguire is near completion of the Doctor of Musical Arts degree from UNLV where he is a student of Thomas G. Leslie.