LONG BIO

Dr. Charles A. Maguire, Artistic Director of The Desert Winds, stands at the center of music education and contemporary performance. He has built a reputation as a leader who combines artistic excellence with vision, creating experiences that shape both the musicians he leads and the communities he serves. His work continues to redefine the modern wind ensemble, bringing together creativity, discipline, and inspiration.

​

Under his leadership, The Desert Winds earned the honor of performing at the 70th Annual Midwest Clinic in 2016, a landmark achievement for Nevada’s musical community. In December 2025, he will return to Chicago with The Desert Winds for their second invitation to the Midwest Clinic, an accomplishment that makes them the only wind ensemble from Nevada to appear twice at this international conference.

​

Dr. Maguire’s musical journey was profoundly shaped by the mentorship of many influential educators and composers. Legendary band director Dr. Johnny Long instilled in him an unwavering standard of excellence in teaching and performance. His flute professor, Carol Franks, guided his artistic and technical growth as a musician. Composers Robert W. Smith and Ralph Ford provided inspiration through their creative output and direct mentorship, with Smith in particular modeling how music can serve as both a personal and collective story. Smith’s example taught Dr. Maguire that conductors and educators bear the responsibility of shaping experiences that extend far beyond the rehearsal room, inspiring students to connect deeply with the purpose of their art. The philosophy of lifelong growth in interpretation and artistry championed by Dr. Gerald Welker at the University of Alabama further refined his approach to music and education. His most recent studies were guided by Takayoshi “Tad” Suzuki and Thomas G. Leslie at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, whose insight and mentorship helped shape the culminating stages of his doctoral work.

​

In recognition of his impact, the Troy University Band Alumni Association inducted Dr. Maguire in 2025 into the inaugural class of the Fanfare Society for Distinguished Alumni. This honor, reserved for graduates who have advanced the legacy of Troy’s band programs on a national and international scale, affirmed the values instilled in him during his formative years and celebrated the global reach of his contributions to music education and performance.

​

In 2017, Dr. Maguire founded The Conservatory at Pinecrest Academy with 14 students and a vision of transformative music education. That vision grew into The Keys Conservatory, now serving thousands of students across five and soon to be six campuses of Pinecrest Academy of Nevada. The curriculum and innovation he has fostered in this creation are now sought after as a model for the future of music education, with programs that immerse students in chamber music, leadership, and advanced performance. Through this work, students discover how music can shape their lives and the world around them.

​

He also established the Making Music Matter Foundation in 2018, which grew from the success of The Desert Winds into a cultural pillar in Southern Nevada. The Foundation now supports a wide range of ensembles and programs, including The Desert Winds, Honor Winds, Chambers, and Band Camp Reimagined. It is built on the belief that music should be accessible to everyone and that the arts are a vital force for connection and renewal.

​

Dr. Maguire has also contributed to scholarship in the field. His doctoral dissertation examined the innovative writing of composer Eric Whitacre, highlighting Whitacre’s use of tonal palettes, harmonic textures, and the balance between his choral background and instrumental writing. This work offered new insights into one of the most influential voices in contemporary music.

​

Throughout his career, Dr. Maguire has created ensembles, built institutions, and launched programs that continue to inspire students, audiences, and colleagues. His legacy is defined by a dedication to music as both an art form and a human force, one that unites, transforms, and elevates all who encounter it.