TAUNTON, Mass. — Superintendent of Schools John J. Cabral is pleased to announce that Taunton High School has unveiled a vibrant new mural celebrating the District’s dedication to the performing arts. The mural, painted by artist Phill Bourque, Taunton High School Class of 2009, now adorns the exterior wall across from the baseball field and is a tribute to the school’s music, band, choir, and drama programs.
The mural’s centerpiece is an intricately detailed tiger, the school’s mascot, surrounded by vivid depictions of the performing arts. Marching band members, instrumentalists, vocalists, and actors are shown in silhouettes, allowing students to see themselves represented in the artwork. A sweeping piano keyboard, theatrical masks, and elements from The Wizard of Oz—a play frequently performed by Taunton students—highlight the school’s diverse artistic offerings. The mural’s bold orange and red palette ties the elements together, creating a sense of movement and unity.
“The mural beautifully highlights the diversity of the arts program and the large community that students are proud to be a part of,” one performing arts student said.
This is Bourque’s second project at Taunton High School, having previously worked with graphic arts teacher and cousin Matt Bourque on the athletics championship banner mural outside the field house. When approached for the second project, Bourque was eager to create another piece of art that captured the essence of the school’s performing arts programs.
“I was given a loose design that outlined key elements to include, and from there, I had the creative freedom to build something I was truly excited about,” Phill Bourque said.
"The mural is a great representation of our community,” Garrick Meack, a senior in Jazz Band, said. "It excellently displays the passion we all have in the arts."
Taunton Public Schools has a rich history of investing in performing arts, with nearly 20 percent of
students choosing to participate in band in middle and high school. All students in grades Prekindergarten through seven take a general music course. Students can join chorus starting in fourth grade and band starting in fifth grade.
"This mural accurately portrays all the good memories that the music department has developed over the years," Alyssa LaPlante, a junior in Jazz Band, said.
At Taunton High School, students can participate in one of four bands, plus marching band, an extracurricular comprised of members of the other bands. Students can also showcase their vocal talents in three different levels of chorus.
Each November, Taunton High School produces a musical. This year’s production, "Guys and Dolls,” will run from November 15 to 17.
“This mural beautifully reflects the heart of our performing arts programs and highlights the creativity and talent of our students,” Superintendent Cabral said. “As a comprehensive school district, we must recognize our performers and artists with the same enthusiasm as our championship-winning athletes.”
“This artwork serves as both an inspiration and a point of pride for our students. It represents their hard work, creativity, and the lifelong passion for the arts that we strive to cultivate within our programs,” Corey Beltram, Performing Arts Curriculum Supervisor, said.
The Taunton School Committee appropriated funds for the mural, unanimously voting in favor of the project on June 5, 2024. The committee's decision reflects the district's support for the arts and its commitment to providing students with enriching creative opportunities.
Bourque completed the 40-foot by 60-foot mural in just under a month, using acrylic and aerosol cans.