The Palo Alto High School Instrumental Music Program has three major ensembles that serve as the base groups for all other participation in the program. They are the Concert Band, Symphonic Band and the Orchestra. Each of these groups is a class in the school curriculum and the students perform at a high level, often receiving Superior and Unanimous Superior ratings at local and national festivals. Membership in these groups makes musicians eligible to participate in the jazz bands, chamber groups, musical theater orchestra and the Paly Pep Band.