Annapolis area elementary students are practised and ready to perform Tuesday night at Annapolis High School as part of the annual Instrumental Music Festival.

In all, between the band and strings, about 225 students are set to perform, representing 10 elementary schools, including Rolling Knolls and Hillsmere elementary schools in Greater Annapolis.

Under the direction of Daniel Puckett, the band instructor from Bates Middle School, and Matthew Raab, the band instructor from Annapolis Middle School, the students rehearsed Tuesday morning for the big night.

Playing selections such as "Ode to Joy," "Finlandia," "Rim Shot Blues," and "Starship Overture," the annual festival is a chance to help the students prepare to transition into middle school—and the middle school music program.

Puckett said the festival provides the opportunity for him to get to know the students, and hopefully encourage them to continue to play their instruments in middle school.

But more importantly, it's a chance for the kids to get to know him and students from the other schools that they will be joining next year.

The performance is scheduled for tonight at 6:30 p.m. in the high school auditorium.