If you are a parent of a middle school band student and you want to find out what's in store for your student you have come to the right place. Our About PLD Band webpage has a wealth of information about the PLD band and its many accomplishments. Our Publicity Brochure provides a convenient way to take that information with you so you can sit down and discuss it with your student. It also lets you see what our current members are saying about being in the marching band. Our Band 8th grade Flyer provides additional information on starting the process of becoming a member. If you still have questions our Vice President of Membership will be more than happy to talk with you.
       If your student has already made the commitment to join the band, the transition from middle school band to the PLD marching band is a big step. Factor in the process of going from middle school to high school and it can seem overwhelming for both the student and the parent. However, there is no need to stress. Our New Band Parent Webpage will help get you organized on everything you need to accomplish, will help you proceed through the maze of paperwork and forms to complete, will get you up to speed on what's happening with the band, and will provide a wealth of useful information that will come in handy for the next four years.

      The PLD Band Parents Association (BPA) is a non-profit, tax exempt, charitable organization. Our mission is to provide support, both moral and financial, to the Paul Laurence Dunbar High School Band program and it's Directors and staff. Members of the BPA include parents or legal guardians of current band members who donate their time, effort, and energy on committees who oversee activities which directly support the PLD Band. The BPA is essentially an organized group of parents supporting our sons and daughters in the PLD Band.

      Band Fees are set each year by the Director as part of the budget process conducted with the Band Parents Association. The PLD Band enjoys the lowest band fee cost in our area and level of competition. These low fees are possible only because of the success of our fundraising efforts. In addition to the regular band fee, color guard members assume some other expenses to cover the cost of equipment fees, practice and show gloves, undergarments for show uniform, performance shoes, and a jacket/wind suit. Overall, the Marching Band Fee covers a little over one-third of the total cost of Marching Band. Fundraising makes up the difference - approximately $800.00 per student.

      The BPA is governed by a Board of Directors which consists of: President, Past President, President -Elect, Vice President - Fundraising, Treasurer, Secretary, IT/Systems Coordinator and Membership. The board is responsible for BPA budget and other financial matters, approving Committee chairpersons, and other administrative responsibilities. Board positions are filled by the nominating committee. If you are interested in serving on the Board of Directors you may contact a nominating committee member. Board members are selected each fall and serve a term from January- December.

      Most of the BPA Committee duties fall under 6 specific activities: Fundraising, Performance Support, Hospitality, Publicity, Travel, and Membership. Within each of these activities there are one or more committees that perform a specific function for the band.

      For a more detailed description of the functions and duties of these committees please see the BPA section of the Band Booklet. If you are interested in heading up a particular committee as the a Chairperson, please contact a board member, as the board appoints/approves all Chairperson positions. If you are interested in serving on a particular committee you can contact the Committee Chairperson or you can indicate your desire to server on a particular committee when you complete your registration on the TRS website. We need your involvement. The band's success depends on everyone being involved!!

       The Band Information Booklet is a packet of information given to all parents each marching season. Updated every year by the BPA, the band booklet contains details on such topics as: Band Classes, Band Camp, Awards, Marching competitions, contest etiquette, KMEA and BOA scoring, Overnight trips, Marching Season, Concert Seasion, Winterguard, Band fees, Band Parents Association, and Board of Directors, committee charipersons, and committee members. It even has a listing of Band vocabulary. It is the most comprehensive listing of all things pertaining to the PLD Marching band. It is a must read.