Summer Marching
728 Cadets Photo Highlights
Our summer street marching program of over 90 students is made up of wind and percussion instruments, color guard, and honor guard. Rehearsals are in Elk River and Rogers, starting in April, with performances Memorial Day through the middle of July. During the beginning of the season, students work on marching, performance and music technique. As skills develop, students move onto learning the season’s show music and movement, and how to execute them together. Then once district classes are finished, there’s band camp to bring all parts of the show together and work collectively on preparing for competition.
In the last two weeks of June the Cadets will attend the biggest competitions of the season – Harry Wenger Marching Band Festival, Lake Waconia Band Festival, and Vikingland Band Festival – along with other judged community parades. This time of year is exciting as students and staff strive to improve the performance each outing. The 728 Cadets Marching Band has won numerous awards throughout the state, including Grand Champion honors at these major band festivals. A great resource for Minnesota bands and summer parades is minnesotaparadebands.com
Many families will travel to the festivals and parades to volunteer and/or enjoy the experience watching their kids. Once July hits, the Cadets continue their performance season participating in community parades through the Sherburne County Fair parade in Elk River. Band trips are determined on a year-by-year basis – typically every other year – and take place after the Vikingland Band Festival. Later in July we follow up with a season ending banquet that has been a highlight for students over the years.
The Cadets organization strives to make a difference in kids lives. We are proud to hear the impact of marching arts education can last a lifetime. Read how our 2023 seniors have enjoyed their experience in the Cadets organization.
Competitive Season
June 11 – July 15
Students don’t want to miss out and families will have a great time traveling along to these events:
- Zimmerman, Rogers, Elk River Parades
- Milaca Gateway to the Northland Festival
- Harry Wenger Marching Band Festival
- Lake Waconia Band Festival
- Vikingland Band Festival
- Roseville Rose Parade
- Maple Grove Parade
