Oak Park High School color guard and marching band competed their “Rebirth” routine in Battle of the Bands at Moorpark High School on Nov. 11, their final competition for the season. 

Despite not qualifying for championships, the team put out an incredible performance this year. Their competitions took place throughout October and November, with their 4th and final competition placing 5th with a score of 71.

“We’ve had a lot of new people join and they have improved so much since the start of the season,” sophomore color guard member Ananya Bathjia said.

The color guard season started long before any of the competitions. Band camp was two weeks before the school year started and consisted of nine-hour grueling days in the July heat. This is where both newcomers and returning athletes learned more about what to expect, physically acclimated to the grueling routines and built their relationships with other guard members.

“It is a lot but I think it’s really important to have a sport as an outlet to also be with friends,” freshman co-captain Sadie Roesner said. 

Color guard utilized a variety of objects to enhance their performances including flags, rifles and sabers. They practiced three days per week on average in order to gain the technique and precision necessary to manipulate these tools.

“We put so much time and effort into [a performance] that takes a village to do,” freshman co-captain Emily Kong said.

Although the fall color guard is finished for the year, the winter color guard and drumline are coming up soon! All those interested in joining the drumline must be enrolled in a performing arts class, but all are encouraged to sign up for color guard.