The Santa Monica High School Winter Guard performed at the Winter Guard Association of Southern California Championships at Marina HS in Huntington Beach on Saturday, April 12.
They received the gold medal for the 2014 Winter Guard competition season, with a score of 89.81 out of a possible 100.
Led by captains Liza Mirkin and Rachel Theis, this is the highest score and placement the group has received in many years.
The group, which meets five days a week before school, plus outside evening rehearsals, is coached by Juan Gonzalez and Jody Anderson.
The Santa Monica High School Winter Guard is under the auspices of the Samohi Band Program, directed by Kevin McKeown and Terry Sakow.
Many of these students take part in the Samohi “Viking” Marching Band first semester, and create this competitive ensemble during the second semester.
Next year will mark the 100th year for the Samohi Band Program, and will feature the band in new uniforms for the first time in over 15 years.
Any donations towards the new uniforms are welcome; interested parties can contact McKeown at komckeown@smmusd.org.