Culver City Observer -

The Santa Monica high school (Samohi) Marching Band is back on the field and making sweet music lately.

The Samohi band recently captured first place in the 27th Annual Irvine Invitational Field Tournament. The band competed against 14 other schools in various divisions and, with an overall score of 80.75, the troupe placed first in three different categories: 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, Samohi marching band director.

The Samohi Band, which currently holds the second highest score in the Southland, will compete in two qualifying tournaments before making its way to the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association 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 Band consists of 117 students from all grade levels. The troupe performs at home football games, various school and community events and it competes in parades and field shows.