Paul Laurence Dunbar is fortunate to have strong music, art, and drama programs.

Our award-winning band program includes the highly competitive Dunbar Marching Band, Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Symphony, Jazz Ensemble, Color Guard, and Winter Guard. Our membership proudly represents the Paul Laurence Dunbar High School in honor bands across the state, competitions nationwide, and as ambassadors of music around the world. We welcome you to check us out, come enjoy a concert with us, or cheer us on at a ballgame or competition. Go Dunbar!

The PLD theatre program has been chosen as the winner of this competition for the state of Kentucky.  We have been granted the exclusive rights to be the only school in the state who will get  to perform the full Broadway version of Frozen the Musical. We have known for years that our program is amazing, but it is really wonderful to get recognized like this on a national level.

Dunbar's combined orchestra is the largest orchestra in the state of Kentucky. The orchestras at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School are comprised of three groups, each based on skill level.  After an audition, participating students are placed in an ability-appropriate group.