Lindbergh and Oakville high school band members will march their way into downtown St. Louis for the 32nd annual Greater St. Louis Marching Band Festival Saturday, Oct. 25, at the Edward Jones Dome.

More than 6,000 students from 48 bands will perform various compositions from classical music and rock ‘n’ roll to movie scores for more than 13,000 spectators, according to a news release.

The festival has seen great growth since it was created in 1971. That year, 10 bands participated and about 500 people were on hand to cheer on the students.

For the annual festival, bands find creative methods to relay a story, mood or theme to the audience by using props, costumes, and dance to supplement their musical selection.

Each band takes center stage for about 15 minutes in one of four divisions according to band size. Judges determine winners for each division based on musical, marching, percussion and auxiliary skills.

The festival begins at 9 a.m. and the winners will be announced at 10 p.m. General admission tickets for this nonprofit event cost $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and $5 for children ages 3 to 12.

Tickets can be purchased from band directors, at the Edward Jones Dome on the day of the event, or before the event through Ticketmaster by phone or at Ticketmaster vendors in Schnucks, Famous Barr and Streetside Records.

In conjunction with the festival, the Music for Life Alliance, a nonprofit organization based in St. Louis, will hold an instrument drive.

The organization collects new and used instruments and donates them to disadvantaged children learning music in schools or other organizations.

Instruments can be dropped off starting at 9 a.m. at the Edward Jones Dome on Broadway. Individuals who donate to the organization will receive a $5 discount on their admission to the festival.