PLD CONCERT BANDS
The Paul Laurence Dunbar Band supports three concert bands during school: Concert Band, Symphonic Band and Wind Symphony. Spring auditions determine placement for the following fall in concert band. We also support Percussion Methods, which is a co-curricular ensemble and Jazz Ensemble, which meets after school. 

Our concert bands consistently score a Distinguished ranking in adjudication for the district concert festival. The bands average more than ten All-State members each year. 

For more information on our program, please see the PLD Band Handbook. 

Wind Symphony

The Wind Symphony is composed of the finest wind instrumentalists at Paul Laurence Dunbar.  This course consists of a wide variety of musical literature from many styles, periods, and genres.  Ensemble and solo activities are designed to develop elements of musicianship with the focus on musically challenging the students individually and as a group.  All Wind Symphony members will be required to attend after-school rehearsals and performances to receive credit for the course.  Students in the Wind Symphony are strongly encouraged to study privately on their instrument and to audition for District Band and All-State Band.  Students are also required to participate in the Pep Band.  Pep Bands perform for home football games, and for both the varsity girls and boys basketball tournament games.  ​​

Prerequisite:  Audition, enrollment in the appropriate class, and permission of the instructor are required.

1. This Course carries advanced credit weight.
2. All students will be responsible for each appropriate program expense.

Symphonic Band

The Symphonic Band offers instrumentalists the opportunity to perform developmentally appropriate graded literature. Students meet separately from the Wind Symphony, allowing a greater focus on fundamentals such as technique and tone development.  The Symphonic Band performs by itself and occasionally in conjunction with the Wind Symphony in public performances.  All Symphonic Band members will be required to attend after-school rehearsals and performances to receive credit for the course.  Students in the Symphonic Band are strongly encouraged to study privately on their instrument and to audition for District Band and All-State Band  Students are also required to participate in the Pep Band.  Pep Bands perform for home football games, and for both the varsity girls and boys basketball tournament games.  

Prerequisite: Audition, enrollment in the appropriate class, and permission of instructor are required.

1. All students will be responsible for each appropriate program expense.

Percussion Methods

This course is designed for percussionists only and exposes students to the fundamentals of percussion performance.  Students will learn technique and perform on a wide variety of percussion instruments while studying appropriate music theory and literature. In addition to Percussion Ensemble Concerts, all  percussionists are required to perform with either Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, or Concert Band in rehearsals and concerts.  Out of school performances are required for successful completion of this course.  Students in the Percussion Methods are strongly encouraged to study privately on their instrument and to audition for District and All-State Band.  Students are also required to participate in pep band periodically.  Pep Bands perform at some varsity girls and boys basketball games.


Prerequisite: Audition, enrollment in the appropriate class, and permission of the instructor.


1. All students will be responsible for each appropriate program expense.

Jazz Ensemble

The PLD Advanced Jazz Band is an extra-curricular activity offered at PLD.  The Advanced Jazz Band is composed of PLD students with a genuine love of popular jazz music. The Advanced Jazz Band is the highest level performing jazz group at PLD.  Students in the Jazz Ensemble are strongly encouraged to study privately on their instrument and to audition for District and All-State Jazz Band.  The Jazz Band performs during the year for school activities, special events, and at local venues in and around Lexington, Kentucky. 


Prerequisite: Students must be enrolled in a Paul Laurence Dunbar High School music performance course (band, percussion, orchestra, or chorus).  Students must have prior playing experience and are admitted through audition and/or permission of instructor.

1. All students will be responsible for each appropriate program expense.
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