Chatswood is especially known for its work in the extracurricular field with achievements in the performing arts, NSW Law Society's Mock Trial Competition and with an array of leadership opportunities in the SRC and Prefect Body. The school's bands have had many successful overseas tours, including being the first Australian school Stage Band to be invited to the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1996. Chatswood High School's Concert Band 1 travelled to Europe in 2004 to the Vienna International Youth and Music Festival, attaining 2nd place. The musical 'Guys & Dolls' was put on in late June 2006 and the Band toured New Zealand, and again toured Europe in 2009. The tour in 2009 was to Vienna, Salzburg, St Moritz, Montreux and Paris.