The marching band attended the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Competition at Moorpark High School Nov. 14.

Many other regional schools — such as Simi Valley High School and Buena Vista High School, who have had more than 20 years of experience — also attended the competition. The marching band began rehearsing their pieces for the competition two weeks before the start of the school year.

For Oak Park’s 53-member band, however, it was the first time attending a competition.

Senior Lily Apar serves as a drum major for the marching band along with fellow senior Weston Pollock. Band program director Zachary Borquez also led the band at the competition.

“Most of the schools that have been attending the competition for many years before us are on a very similar level to our band,” Apar said.

At the competition, the marching band performed its field show, “John Williams is the Man.” The routine includes musical pieces from “Jurassic Park,” “Star Wars” and the Harry Potter movie franchise. Judges scored the band’s performance.

Though the band did not place at the competition, Pollock viewed the experience as an opportunity for growth.

“There were many schools in the division so we didn’t place because we’re still so new, but we have a very high expectations for what the band is going to be able to accomplish next year,” Pollock said.