Join the PSHS band boosters and students as we share the events of the “Official Band of the City
The "Spirit of the Sands" is the name of the high energy, community and globally centered band and visual program that represents Palm Springs, the Coachella Valley, California, and indeed the entire country when they perform throughout the US and world. In 2019 the Band performed at the St Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin and on the Ray D’Arcy show in Ireland. In 2016, they returned to the United
Kingdom to perform at the New Year’s performing in front of hundreds of thousands live, millions on television, and at Cadogan Hall, Home of the Royal Philharmonic. In 2015, the “The Spirit of the Sands” was named a GRAMMY FOUNDATION® Signature School Community Award Winner selected from more that 2000 school across the country. In March of 2014 the band was the first international band to perform at the 103rd National Youth Day Celebrations in Taipei as part of a China/ Taiwan Performance tour. In 2013, the “Spirit of the Sands” Band and Visual Corps was selected from more than 2800 applications to represent the Great State of California at the 57th Inaugural Parade in Washington D.C. performing in front of hundreds of thousands live, the President and Vice President, and televised on every major television network and streamed across the globe. The award winning band has traveled around the world as America’s Youth Ambassadors of Music . In April of 2012 the band performed in Wales and Scotland has part of the Edinburgh Spring Festival. In June of 2009, the group completed a “trail blazing” performance tour to South Africa performing at the Capetown City Hall (home of the Capetown Symphony), Affies Theater in addition to the Guglethu and Soweto Townships. In 2007 they were televised to more than ONE BILLION people while performing on the Great Wall in China as part of the Olympic Music Festival and performing concerts for thousands live. They have also performed on the main stage at the Sydney Opera House in Australia twice, at the Videopolis Stage at Disneyland Paris, France, represented all of the United States at the Convegno Bandistico Internationale in Brianza - Italy, has performed at the New Year’s Festivities in London England, was part of the Inaugural Edinburgh Music Festival in 2003, performed at Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen - Denmark, at the Hyack Festival in Vancouver- Canada, and has twice toured New Zealand acting as American Ambassadors to the world. They also performed at the 2004 CMEA (California Music Educator’s Association) State Music Conference. This group also performs at countless charity and community events close to home and have performed for celebrities from Presidents to Hollywood’s elite including Barry Manilow, Max Weinberg, have appeared on film with Chris Botti and television on ABC, CBS, NBC, Huell Howser ‘s California Gold, TMZ, Entertainment Tonight, the BBC, CCTV, and many others. The Band has also offered special programs in addition to their performances to benefit the community. This includes after school instruction for Elementary students and supporting Middle School Flag Programs. They also provide concerts with world class entertainers, bands, and orchestras that come to play to support music education at the 1100 seat Palm Springs Auditorium. From Glenn Miller, Count Basie Orchestra, Maynard Ferguson, Stan Kenton Alumni Band, to the Dallas Brass, and “Beatles” tribute bands, they share their gifts with the students and the community. The Director of Bands and Fine Arts Chair - Brian Ingelson
Visual Corps Director- Andres Garcia
Visual Corps Director Emeritus- Beverley Ingelson
05/06/2026
One week from today, May 13th at 6 p.m. in the Palm Springs High School Richards Center for the Performing Arts, we'll present the Spirit of the Sands' final symphonic concert of the 2025-2026 school year. One last chance to hear the 2026 Seniors before they head off on their next great adventure. Celebrate with us, won't you? 🎶🎺🎷🥁🪈🎶
03/16/2026
Next on the horizon - our Spring Concert! This Wednesday, 3/18 at 6:00 p.m., see what our PSHS Symphonic and Jazz Bands have been working towards this semester!
02/15/2026
Another successful Essentially Ellington is in the books! PSJO showed out in Vegas, and learned from the many jazz masters present at the festival- including Bijon Watson, Roxy Cross, Curt Miller, Helen Sung, Sherrie Mericle, John Belzaguy, and Kenny Rampton. We’re coming back swinging!
01/01/2026
From the Plaza de Popolo in Rome...the Spirit of the Sands! 🇮🇹 🏆
01/01/2026
Live from the Plaza de Popolo...the Palm Springs Spirit of the Sands!
01/01/2026
We're on the parade route in Rome, getting into position - watch us live! The YouTube channel is in our bio! 🇮🇹🎉
Hello from 2026! The Spirit of the Sands wishes you a very safe and happy New Year from Rome! This is a snippet of the band’s NYE performance from the town of Frascati. T-minus 5 hours until we step off for the Rome Parade on New Year’s Day!
12/28/2025
Arrivederci! We're officially on the first leg of our journey towards the New Year's Day parade in Rome...🛫🇮🇹