The Plano East Senior High Band has firmly established itself as one of the leading band programs in the state of Texas . In addition to twenty one consecutive University Interscholastic League “Sweepstakes Awards” for Superior Ratings in marching, concert and sight reading competitions, the Plano East Bands have won top honors at nationally adjudicated festivals in St. Louis , Missouri ; Nashville , Tennessee ; Orlando , Florida ; Winter Park and Breckenridge , Colorado . The Plano East Band has represented the State of Texas at the Four States Bandmasters Association Convention and was an invited participant in the 1984 Republican National Convention. The Plano East Wind Ensemble was selected as a featured performing group at the Mid West International Band and Orchestra Clinic in 2001. The Plano East “Marching Panthers” have garnered local, regional and state awards in marching band competitions which have culminated in being selected to compete at the Texas State Marching Band Championships in 1998 and 2000.

In 2000, the Plano East Band Program was awarded the Dale C. Harris Exemplary Band Program Award by the American School Band Directors Association. This award is given to one high school band program annually in the United States .

Recently, the 2006 Plano East Percussion Ensemble has been invited to perform a feature concert at the Percussive Arts Society Convention to be held during the month of November in Austin.  Only three high school percussion ensembles in the country received this honor.

The 2006 Plano East Wind Ensemble advanced as a honor band representative from TMEA Region 24 to the area level.  Only two bands were selected to advance from a very competitive field of very fine bands.

In 2006, the Plano East Wind Ensemble was named runner up to the Texas Honor Band. This places the Plano East Wind Ensemble 2nd in the state of Texas.

Through the efforts of students and directors, the Plano East Bands have firmly established a “Tradition of Excellence”.