A basic philosophy of the Parkway West Band department is to maintain a balance of quality in all three areas of the program: concert, jazz and marching.   The available performing ensembles at West include: Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, Percussion Ensemble, Marching Band, and Pep Band.

Parkway West High School offers a variety of band experiences to suit each student’s special talents.  During the first semester, the Symphonic Band is comprised of three sections: marching band percussion (DL), non-marching (NM – winds and percussion combined), and marching band wind players (MB).  In the spring semester, there is one percussion section (PR) and one section for winds (SW).  Members of the Marching Band perform at home football games, pep rallies, various parades and competitions.  The students also perform as members of Sons of the Desert (SODS), the sports pep band, to enhance school spirit and generate enthusiasm at selected home basketball games, pep rallies, and other events.

There are distinct advantages to having separate wind and percussion classes.  One of the primary advantages is the ability to offer more specialized instruction to meet the unique musical needs of the winds and percussion students.  All of the Symphonic Band sections focus on fundamentals, while also working on concert band music (or music from the marching band show), pep band music, and chamber music.  These ensembles perform music of the highest quality emphasizing good fundamental tone production, musicianship, and interpretation of various styles.  Members of these groups are eligible to audition and participate with the orchestra, the jazz band, and with various small ensembles.   Concerts are given throughout the school year.