It is competition season for the Santa Monica High School (Samohi) Marching Band and they are in it to win it. The marching band recently competed in the 27th Annual Irvine Invitational Field Tournament against 14 other schools in various divisions. With an overall score of 80.75, the band placed first in three different categories including: Band, Color Guard and Percussion.
“The growth from the previous tournament and the increase of energy especially among the younger and newer members has to be my favorite thing about this competition,” said Kevin McKeown,
Marching Band Director.
The Samohi Marching Band, which currently holds the second highest score in Southern California, will compete in two additional qualifying tournaments, before making their way to the Southern California School Band & Orchestra Association (SCSBOA) Championships on November 20.
“We are going to do well,” said McKeown. “There is great energy and positive attitudes coming from the students and we hope to keep it going in through the final stretch.”
The Samohi Marching Band consists of 117 students from all grade levels. The marching band performs at home football games, as well as many school and community events. Additionally, the Samohi Marching Band participates and competes in parades and field shows. Samohi Marching Band members are happy to be back in-person this year following 2020 where competitions and events were shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Submitted by Diana Bouchaaya, SMMUSD
