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Welcome to the home of
Paul Laurence Dunbar High School Bands
​We are the Dunbar Band.
Our talented and dedicated musicians shine in a variety of ensembles, including the prestigious Dunbar Marching Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Symphony, Jazz Ensemble, Color Guard, and Winter Guard. Our members are proud ambassadors of music, representing our school with distinction at local and national competitions, and inspiring audiences around the world.

​We invite you to experience the excitement and excellence of our performances, and to join us in celebrating the achievements of our gifted students. Go Dunbar!
Watch this video for all the reasons YOU should join the PLD Band:

​Congratulations to the 2022 State Finalist
​PLD Marching Band!​
School code is pldband.

Kroger Community Rewards​​

Organization Number: LP812

Click on the button above or scan the QR Code below to make your donation to the PLD Band.
Meet the Directors
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BRIAN MORGAN, DIRECTOR OF BANDS
Mr. Morgan is a highly experienced and accomplished  music educator, arranger, and composer with over thirty years of experience in the field.  He brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to Paul Laurence Dunbar High School band program, having honed his skills as a member of the Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corp, and as a teacher for the Sky Ryders Drum and Bugle Corps and the Bluegrass Brass Senior Corps. 
He earned his undergraduate degree while instructing the University of Kentucky Marching Band, University of Kentucky Indoor Percussion Ensemble, and the Eastern Kentucky University Marching Band.  Since joining Paul Laurence Dunbar High School in 1990, Mr. Morgan has led the band program to consistent success as a KMEA State Marching Band Finalist, and has won seven KMEA State Championships.
Mr. Morgan holds a B.M.E. and M.M. in music theory/composition from Eastern Kentucky University, where he studied under Jason Koontz and Rob James. He is also an educational artist for Innovation Percussion drum sticks and mallets.  Under his leadership, the Paul Laurence Dunbar Band continues to thrive and inspire students to reach their full potential.
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Michael Wooley, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Mr. Michael Wooley is in his 11th year as a music educator, most recently at South Laurel Middle School also having served as the assistant at South Laurel High School. Mr. Wooley is a graduate of Eastern Kentucky University with a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education. Under the direction of Mr. Wooley, the SLMS band has received consistent distinguished ratings at the spring concert assessment as well as a number of other honors. The band was also named Best Overall Concert Band three times at Music in the Parks events. The South Laurel Middle School band was selected to perform at the Kentucky Music Educators State Conference in 2016. Mr. Wooley has served as a guest clinician and a judge for various KMEA events. Under Mr. Wooley’s leadership, the SLHS band is a three time state finalist and reigning class AAAA state champion. ​

Thank You For Your Support...We welcome and greatly appreciate any and all donations, from individuals or businesses, made in support of the PLD Band Program. The Paul Laurence Dunbar Band Parents Association is a tax-exempt, 501(c)3 nonprofit organization as defined by the IRS. Please be assured that 100% of your donation goes directly to support the activities and expenses of the PLD Bands. We have 0% administrative costs as all administrative duties are performed by parent volunteers. All band expenditures are monitored and approved by the Band Parent Board of Directors who are elected each year by the full BPA membership. Your donation will have a direct impact on the performance level of each band member. We thank you in advance for your heartfelt consideration and any generous donation you decide to make!