(ABC 6 News) – If downtown Rochester felt a little crowded on Saturday, that’s because bands from across the region performed in a high stakes percussion competition.

Lourdes High School was one of 23 ensembles who took their tunes to the Minnesota Percussion Association (MPA) Championships. The drumline performed in front of music fans and other ensembles scheduled to compete that day.

Conner Nation, one of the Lourdes Eagle’s tenor drummers said executing a performance of that caliber requires focus an intense level of foucus.

“It’s a lot of energy in that room, a lot of people in the stands and you have to sit there and not think about it, but also think about it so you put that energy out there,” Nation said.

The performance involved not only musical talent, but also a level of showmanship that is not typical for a standard marching band. Director for Lourdes High School Winter Drumline Andrew Scheller described the performance as “theatrical” and added that as a director it can be a little scary to watch.

“It’s always a little bit of nerves for me as a director because it’s kind of, you know, it’s out of my hand when the kids ger on the floor,” Scheller said.

The Lourdes Winter Drumline’s show focused on gargoyles coming to life and reflecting on what they are.

As the day went on, other bands took the stage setting up their own props and equipment in a short amount of time between performances.

The Lourdes Winter Drumline will perform at Winter Guard International’s Sport of the Arts World Championships next. The event takes place in Dayton, Ohio, between April 10 -13.