VIDALIA — When Joshua Guthrie strums the first notes on his guitar Sunday afternoon, the moment will mark his second time performing at the Great Mississippi River Balloon Race.

He will also have yet to graduate high school.

The 17-year-old is scheduled to perform as part of the Concordia Parish Talented Program. More than 20 students from Monterey, Vidalia and Ferriday high schools will take to the same stage as professional musicians and open Sunday’s musical entertainment.

“They’re the only students who are invited every year to perform,” talented program music teacher Darlene Gilbert said. “That’s a big compliment.”

Students have been preparing for the performance since the first day of the semester, picking out songs such as “Something in the Water” to “Cantina Band” from Star Wars. Guthrie will be accompanying other students on his guitar for several of the pieces, including “What a Wonderful World” and “Saving Me.”

“It’s kind of a family affair of sorts,” Gilbert said. “We all just kind of back each other up.”

Guthrie said the lead up can be performing at the balloon race is“nerve wracking.” Guthrie’s fellow performer, Kaitlyn Randall, 15, compared it to waiting for a rollercoaster.

But Guthrie said it all melts away once he’s on stage.

“You kind of just forget about it, and you kind of just perform,” Guthrie said.

“It’s over before you know it,” performer Sydney Gillespie, 17, said.

But it’s not just the performance that requires a lot of preparation. While Randall said it’s fun backstage, talented program music and art teacher Robert Rasberry said students have to be on their toes as they get ready to go onstage.

“You have a small window to perform, and you have to be there,” Rasberry said.

Guthrie said Gilbert and Rasberry have a lot of patience.

“He’s got to keep us in line,” Guthrie said, referring to Rasberry. “He does a good job of it, too.”

But, when he arrives on stage, Guthrie said only one thing matters.

“All you’re focused on is the song,” Guthrie said.

The Concordia Parish Talented Program will perform at 1 p.m. Sunday.