728 Cadets repeat as grand champions at Vikingland Band Festival

Undefeated marching band completes sixth victory before heading out of state and back to Elk River for the Sherburne County Fair

The ISD 728 Cadets continued their winning ways this summer by defending their grand champion title at the 40th annual Vikingland Band Festival in Alexandria.

The band earned the overall grand champion title plus awards in Class AAAA for first-place band, best percussion and best wind section.

“We are so excited to (share) that the 728 Cadets has an undefeated season this year,” said Lori Motzko, president of the 728 Cadets booster club.

The 728 Cadets is directed by Joe Jaeger, Shannon Curtis, and Natalie Sterner. This year’s show is titled “Finish Line” and features songs from The Big Race from Cars, Burly Brawl from The Matrix, Fast Car and Getaway car.

“For many it was their first Vikingland Band Festival, and for some (the Class of 2024 seniors) it was their last,” said Holli Rolfe, a fellow band booster. “Everyone was incredibly proud of this group of students in 7th through 12 grade.”

Vikingland Band Festival judges stated the 728 Cadets noted that their victory in Alexandria its sixth grand champion title this year after the group scored an 86.7 with its race-car-themed production.

“This is the second year in a row for the 728 Cadets to earn grand champion honors at the Vikingland Band Festival,” the judges said. To see the Cadets’ performance, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JieJII3bIAc.

After bringing home the hardware, the band members spent this week preparing to leave for Traverse City, Michigan, where they will be playing in two parades for the National Cherry Festival over the Independence Day weekend.

There are still opportunities to see the 728 Cadets perform, on July 11 in Maple Grove, July 14 in Monticello and July 20 at the Sherburne County Fair parade in downtown Elk River.

Winter marching season will kick off in October. Go to www.728cadets.org for more information.