The Normal West Wind Ensemble has performed at: Orchestra Hall at Symphony Center (Home of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra) Carnegie Hall, New York, NY The University of Illinois Superstate Festival, Champaign, IL The Illinois State University Twin City Band Festival, Normal, IL The Western Illinois University Showcase of Bands, Macomb, IL The Southern Illinois University BiState Festival, Edwardsville, IL Illinois Music Educators Association All State Convention, Peoria, IL Disney World and Universal Studios, Orlando, FL The Capitol Building and Lincoln Monument, Washington, DC Norwegian Cruise Lines, Nassau, Bahamas

The Normal West Bands have also performed at: IHSA State Contests Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL Illinois Wesleyan University, Bloomington, IL Bradley University, Peoria, IL VanderCook College of Music, Chicago, IL Cedar Point Amusement Park, Sandusky, OH Six Flags Great America, Gurnee, IL Six Flags St. Louis, MO Heritage Festival - Medieval Times, Schaumberg, IL Metamora, Hersey, Plainfield, and Lemont HS Festivals, IL

The Normal West Marching Band's achievements include:
The 2008 Class 4A State Championship
Multiple appearances in State Finals
The 2008 Greater St. Louis Silver Division Championship
Two appearances in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl Festivities, Phoenix, AZ
Two-time Finalist at the Fiesta Bowl National Band Championships, AZ
Bands of America Regional Finalist and Regional Class Champion
Bands of America Grand National Championships Semi-Finalist
Performances in the Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN; the RCA Dome, Indianapolis, IN; the Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis, MO; the University of Phoenix Stadium, Phoenix, AZ; the Papa John's Cardinal Stadium, Louisville, KY; the U.S. Cellular Coliseum, Bloomington, IL; and the Illinois State Fair Parade, Springfield, IL

Ms. Lisa Preston, Director of Bands, has been a high school band director for over twenty years.  She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Northern Illinois University and a Master’s degree in Music Education from the University of Connecticut where she studied under Gary Green.  She is currently the conductor of the Normal West High School Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Winds, and Symphonic Band. She is also the director of the competitive marching band, flute choir and the colorguard/winterguard sponsor.  Ms. Preston served as the Music Department Chairperson from 1995-2004. Ms. Preston has received the “Teacher of the Year” award from the Normal West High School Future Teacher’s Club, and four times received the student council “Teacher Recognition” Award.  The Normal West High School Band program received two Mayoral Declarations from the Town of Normal for excellence in both marching and concert bands.  Prior to her appointment at Normal West, Ms. Preston taught at Normal Community High School and Danville High School (IL).  Ms. Preston has received seven “Citation of Excellence” awards from the National Band Association.  She is a member of Music Educators National Conference and the National Band Association.