As the sun set behind them, 150 of the country's best young drummers, buglers and color guard members raced across Maginnis Field at Riverside Military Academy.

Brass instruments blared, flags twirled, percussionists snapped out rhythms and a sizable Gainesville crowd cheered.

The students, part of the nonprofit Spirit of Atlanta group, have been putting in 14-hour days in 95-degree heat to prepare their show, "ATL Confidential: A tribute to film noir," Corps Director Todd Snead said. The group is made up of auditioned high school and college students from across the country and many from Atlanta.

It's much like a marching band show but faster and louder, he said.

The Friday night show was an exhibition in preparation for the group's summer tour, which starts next week and spans much of the country. For more information about Spirit of Atlanta and tour dates, visit the website.