728 Cadets Marching Arts

Support the 728 Cadets Marching Arts

                     River Valley Percussion Theater (RVPT)     River Valley Sound (RVS)

                      River Valley Winter Guard (RVWG)   728 Cadets Summer Marching Band

The 728 Cadets Marching Arts aims to teach students through life experiences while they pursue excellence in the ultimate sport of music in motion. By doing so, students can experience enjoyment and self-esteem while combining the best of athletics, education, and the arts. The 728 Cadets provides musical and performing arts training and education while promoting pride, spirit, and teamwork. The 728 Cadets is a stand-alone, 501(c) (3) nonprofit that's offered to all students from 7th-12th grade within the boundaries of ISD 728. The 728 Cadets is made possible by its members, families, friends, fundraising, grants, corporate and civic sponsors. They fundraise each season to offset expenses and keep registration costs affordable for students and their families. More than 100 students per season have benefited and excelled from the programs provided by the 728 Cadets Marching Arts. 

The 728 Cadets Marching Arts includes three winter season ensembles: River Valley Percussion Theatre (RVPT), River Valley Winter Guard (RVWG), and River Valley Sound (RVS). The River Valley winter ensembles have developed highly accomplished and talented musicians in the MN scholastic arena, earning many first-place awards. In addition, their ensembles have placed them as National Finalists at the WGI Worlds Championship for several consecutive years. The 728 Cadets also includes a summer marching band program that's earned numerous awards throughout the state and the country. This includes being recognized as Grand Champions at their state competition and prestigious band festivals. The summer marching band is a competitive and rigorous 6 week season of parades and competitions that Tri-State Judging scores. Annual competitions have become part of the 728 Cadets tradition, which include the Lake Waconia Band Festival, the Harry Wenger Marching Band Festival (known on the circuit as the Owattonia Award), and the state-level competition at the Vikingland Band Festival in Alexandria, MN. Recently, they traveled to the National Cherry Festival in Traverse City, MI, and performed in two parades with their show titled "The Finish Line."

Quotes from our 2023 seniors:

“This group has been a great experience, and it’s amazing to be a part of a group that pushes you to do your best.”

“Being in marching band has exposed me to a group of really dedicated, talented, and amazing people. Practices and performances can be challenging but are also very rewarding. I have learned a level of dedication that I didn’t even realize I was capable of - which has pushed me to be better.”

"Joining Cadets was one of the most profound, life-altering choices I think I have ever made in my life. It has brought me a plethora of unique opportunities and experiences, teaching me how to be a better musician and human being."

"Those 3 years of me marching, has taught me so much about music and myself and has provided me with valuable memories that I’ll treasure for the rest of my life."

"This group has helped me to grow in many ways and it's helped me through some really difficult times in my life as well. Our directors have helped me to learn bass guitar and grow in my knowledge and become a better violinist. This group has helped me become the person I am today."

"I have had an amazing time with the best people and I truly don’t think I would be the same person without this experience."

More information and videos can be found at http://728cadets.org