Who Are We? Cadets!
Congratulations on a great 2025 season!
The 728 Cadets excelled in competitions, showcasing remarkable musical and visual performances. Throughout the season, the students showed incredible teamwork, discipline and commitment to the marching arts.
From band camp to the final performance, this season was filled with moments of growth, challenges and fun. The success of the season is a direct result of the dedication and support of many individuals. A sincere thank you to the Directors and Staff for your exceptional leadership and guidance. To the Students for your commitment, talent and countless hours of practice. And to the Parents and Guardians for your tireless efforts as volunteers and your encouragement throughout the season.
Celebration of Achievements:
June 14 - Owatonna - Henry Wenger Band Festival
| June 23 - Rosevaille - Rosefest Parade
| June 29 - Alexandria - Vikingland Band Festival
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| June 21 - Rogers - Rocking Rogers Parade - Performance Only | June 24 - Milaca - Rhythm on the Rum Festival
| July 13 - Monticello - Monticello River Fest - Performance Only |
June 21 - Waconia - Lake Waconia Band Festival
| June 27 - Sauk Rapids - Sauk Rapids River Days
| July 17 - Maple Grove - Maple Grove Days - Performance Only July 19 - Elk River - Sherburne County Fair Parade - Performance Only |
Thank You, Mr. Curtis
Since 2017, Shannon Curtis has been the heart and driving force behind the 728 Cadets. Through his dedication, passion, and exceptional leadership, he has helped grow this program into what it is today—a thriving, supportive, and inspiring community where music and personal growth go hand in hand.
Under Mr. Curtis's direction, the Cadets have become more than just a marching band. He has created an environment where students learn far more than music. They’ve learned discipline, teamwork, respect, and the value of friendships that will last a lifetime. His commitment to excellence has pushed every member to rise to their best, and his kindness and steady leadership have made everyone feel seen, heard, and valued.
As Mr. Curtis begins his next chapter in Buffalo, we feel a deep sense of gratitude and pride. He will be greatly missed, but his impact will continue to be felt in every note we play and every step we take.
Thank you, Mr. Curtis, for your years of service, your unwavering support, and your belief in the potential of every Cadet. We wish you nothing but the very best on your new journey. Buffalo is lucky to have you.
Super Seniors - Class of 2025
| Anna Motzko | |
 | Hi I'm Anna from Rogers High School. My favorite part about being a part of RVS has been the friends I've made and all the memories I have made with them. After high school I plan to go to UW - Eau Claire for music education. I am most excited to see everyone's shows and how they add on to it. |
| Abigail McShane | |
 | Hi, my name is Abby and I’ve been with this group since 2022 with my first session: Last Full Measure. I attend Spectrum High School and my plan for the future is to go to St. Thomas University to study Environmental Science. I’m so excited for my last summer season and spending it with my brother and friends. My favorite part about this group has always been how much we grow throughout the season. |
| Ezra Zahler | |
 | My name is Ezra and I graduated from Zimmerman High School. I play multiple instruments with multiple variations from the normal Bb Clarinet to the Contrabass Clarinet, Bassoon, familiar with Oboe and Tenor Sax, and started Tuba in marching band. This is my very first time being apart of this organization and I joined because of multiple friends encouraging me to join and lots of positive reviews! My most favorite part for me as a Cadet is to learn and discover all the fundamentals and excitement of marching band! I am currently planning to go to 2 years at Minneapolis College to do something in Business and possibly more! What I'm most excited about this year is to learn and explore a lot of fundamentals in the Business world and as of right now, just being/experiencing with the Cadets is incredible! |
Asher Kraabel | |
 | I joined the 728 Cadets during the 2021 summer season, Hypnotize. It honestly has been a life-changing experience. In my time so far, I have learned so much about leadership, respect, and self-discipline. I have also learned that I love watching and encouraging growth. Seeing rookies become a positive force for the group is one of the best things about marching band. I graduated from ZHS, and I plan to major in civil engineering to pursue a career in environmental engineering (think of water clean-up projects and solar panels- environmental engineers do that). As time goes on, I'm excited to watch the progress of this group and see new leadership emerge! |
Hazel Sepeda | |
 | I graduated from Elk River High. My favorite part of Cadets is the friendships I have made. After high school I’m attending MSUM and hope to March Phantom Regiment 2026. I’m most excited about the Elk River day parade and celebrating my Cadets career with my friends. |
| Erin Jonason | |
 | Hi! I’m Erin from Rogers High School. My favorite part of being a part of the Cadets is being a part of a family and all of us working hard to a shared goal. I also loved finding all of my lifelong friends and connections. I’ll be attending the University of Minnesota in the fall for psychology. I was most excited for Alex, my final comp parade! |
| Lillian Schrage | |
 | Hi my name is Lillian and this is my seventh season with the Cadets! I attended Rogers high School but am now a graduate. :) My favorite part of the Cadets is definitely all of the inside jokes we have and the bonds we create. This fall I will be attending Winona State University for elementary education. In a color guard sense I am excited to see everyone’s shows this winter and see the team on the viewers side but in a personal sense I am so excited for college and the new opportunities that await! |
| Jacob Ahrens | |
 | Hi, I'm Jake, and I have marched with the 728 Cadets and River Valley for 4 years now. My favorite memory has to be performing at WGI and getting to march next to my closest friends and I can't wait to do it again this season. Marching in this organization has taught me that living in the moment and enjoying the show you are putting on is way more important than any score. I've learned so much responsibility and leadership skills marching in these groups, and I will always remember all the great people I've met and the friends I have made from this group and from other groups. After high school, I plan on going to St. Cloud State University and hopefully finding a group to march with after high school. |
| Owen Oudekerk | |
 | Hello! I’m Owen Oudekerk, I play snare in RVPT and have been in Cadets/RVPT since 2022. I currently attend Zimmerman High School as a senior. My favorite part of being in Cadets/RVPT is the friends that you make along the way. You can learn from them, but you can also have comfort knowing that they will always be there for you. After high school I plan to attend Anoka-Ramsey Community College and then transfer to another college for hopefully a degree in something music related. I am most exited for the upcoming WGI Ohio trip where we compete. This will be my first time on this trip and am looking forward to many memories along the way. Cadets has been one of the best experiences I’ve ever had, and to anyone unsure of joining, join! Trust me, you will have lots of fun and learn to master your instrument, and most importantly make friends along the way to guide you. Go RVPT! |
Madison Selander | |
 | Hi, I'm Madison. I went to Rogers High School and have been in the 728 Cadets for 9 seasons over the span of almost 5 years. I've had a ton of fun marching in this group and have made a lot of friends along the way, as well as played with many other talented musicians. I started playing alto sax, then switched to tenor, and finally decided to learn mellophone and stuck with it. One of my favorite parts of the experience, besides performing in general, has been going on trips, especially traveling to WGI. This season has been a great finish to my time with the Cadets, and I'm looking forward to continuing to march at the University of Minnesota Duluth. |
| Travis Monson | |
 | My name is Travis, and I graduated from Zimmerman High School. I began my journey with the 728 Cadets when I was in seventh grade, inspired by the incredible upperclassmen who welcomed me into the fold. Marching with 728 has been an invaluable experience that has allowed me to grow in so many ways, both personally and artistically. What I love most about being a part of the 728 Cadets and River Valley is the multitude of opportunities I’ve been given over the years. It’s a joy to create art that resonates with people and expresses the powerful emotions of music. I’ll be going to Anoka Ramsey Community College to finish my general education credits before focusing on a music program at another school. |
| Carlin LaValley | |
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I attended Elk River High School, and this is my 9th season marching with the Cadets, and it's been so much fun! I joined the group during Turn the Page in 2020-21, and while covid definitely made the season weird, it was still so fun. My favorite part of being in this band is all of the people that I have made friends with. There are so many amazing people in this group, and I'm proud to call them my friends. After High School I plan to go into Zoology, so I will attend ARCC for two years, then transfer to a different school to finish the degree. |
| Logan Schwinghamer | |
 | I graduated from Zimmerman High School. After high school I plan to attend Luther College and explore all sorts of different avenues to decide my career path. The thing I looked forward to the most this year was joining the 728 Cadets this summer. |
Thank You Volunteers
“Help one another. There’s no time like the present, and no present like the time.”
– James Durs
Outlaw Images
A huge Thank You to Band Mom and Photographer, Kelly Jonason!
Your dedication to capturing the excitement of the performances this season is truly amazing and has not gone unnoticed. The photos you have taken and shared are memories we will all take and keep with us forever.
To view and download photos that Kelly has taken this season, you can go to her website at https://ksuzannephotography.zenfolio.com/f189720233 Password: Outlaw25@
Picture Day:
Went well! Individual and group photos will be available to view and purchase soon.
Get updates about the 728 Cadets 2025 photo gallery. Text the access code KJCADETOUTLAW25 to 90738 to receive access and ongoing alerts* or visit https://my.photoday.com/g/KJCadetOutlaw25 on your phone or computer.
You’ll receive text notification when your gallery is available to view!
Please note this is separate from the parade pics and located on a different site. I’ll be updating the parade pics soon as well. 🖤 ~Kelly
Call For New Board Members 2025-2026
The 728 Cadets is a non profit organization that is run by a Board of Directors. At the summer banquet, we vote for the Board members for the term Oct 1-2025 to Sept 30-2026. The voting process is as follows:
The ballot will be a Google Form
The link to the google ballot will be sent to the email addresses entered for parents on the registration form
Voting will be open starting on 7-28-2025 6:30pm and closing July 31, 2025 at 6:30PM
Only parents can vote
You are eligible to vote if your child participated in any of the four programs during the 2024-2025 season.
One ballot per student, so if you have three children, you get to vote three times
If you are interested in being on the board please fill out this form https://forms.gle/wXd9CYPndxm2CmER8 and someone from the nomination committee will contact you.
If you have any questions or concerns, please email Lori Motzko at Lori.Motzko@gmail.com
Announcements from Fundraising Committee Chair Tiffany Gruidl
Sponsorships:
Zimmerman Fire Department sponsored us for the summer season at the Silver Partner- $500 level to show their support to the 728 Cadets.
Grants:
We're the recipient of the FY24-25 Community Arts Support Grant from the Central MN Arts Board (CMAB). We were awarded a $10,000 grant this year to support our program! The funds allowed us to purchase 2 mellophones and a baritone that needed to be replaced for current students to use this summer.
A special thanks goes to all students and parents for making this season so memorable and for coming together to help raise funds and for volunteering to make our programs successful! It’s been amazing to receive the outpouring of support from our students, alumni, families, and the Community.
Current Fundraisers
Shoes4Good:
Great work on bringing in 100 shoes during our shoe challenge over band camp! We’re still collecting shoes throughout the year, and you can leave your shoes in the large Shoes4Good box that’s on the trailer or drop off your shoes before or after rehearsal with Asher Kraabel, another board member, or with myself.
Lake State Recycling:
Drop off your aluminum cans at their location (Across the street from Meadowvale)! Mention the 728 Cadets Marching Ban, and they will apply the funds to our 728 Cadets account! You will also receive a receipt with the weight of aluminum and the amount raised.
Buffalo Wild Wings:
This quarter’s fundraiser goes through the end of July! All you need to mention is Team N and 10% of the total tab goes towards our Home Team Advantage account.
GiveFreely:
Create an account (a very, very simple process), select the 728 Cadets as your chosen nonprofit to donate to. By selecting the 728 Cadets, the organization gets $10 automatically! Then follow the prompts to enable GiveFreely’s extension on your phone and laptop. When making online purchases with partners of GiveFreely, the icon will automatically pop up. To enable the donation (at no charge to you), select the icon when completing your purchase.
RaiseRight:
Shows we profit $100 a month from 5 people consistently using RaiseRight to make their everyday purchases, so imagine if we could have even had a large percentage of our group using the e-gift cards to purchase groceries, gas, dining out, etc! Please note that as of 7/19 RaiseRight is having bonus days for back to school.
Upcoming Opportunities
Gertens Fall Mum Fundraiser:
30% of all sales go to help the 728 Cadets! Important Dates: Website launches for our Gertens fall mums and perennials fundraiser on Friday, August 1 st and sales close August 25 th ! You can start collecting orders today by providing the brochure attached! Website and Store ID: (TBD soon)
Order Pick Up: Will be available for distribution will either be Monday, September 15 th or Tuesday 16 th (TBD soon). Pick up held at the Boys & Girls Club: 12976 Fremont Ave Zimmerman, MN 55398. (Parking and the building entrance is behind the City Hall.)
Gerten’s Spring Flower and Plant Fundraiser: Collectively we raised $624.75 for our spring fundraiser, and we expect to do as well for our fall mums!
ZBG Dine In Night
Please watch the band app for the date of our fall dine-in night that will be held at ZBG’s in Zimmerman. We will have the option to choose from all you can eat pizza, spaghetti, or tacos for this fundraiser. Please plan on having a fun night out together! Also, this is a great way to raise funds since 100% of profits goes to the 728 Cadets and is only $10 for all you can eat.
As always, if you would like to volunteer for any upcoming events, or join the Fundraising Committee, please contact Tiffany (AKA Asher’s Mom 763-291-2804).
Fundraising Chair Needed for 2025-26
Please note the board election will be held at our banquet on 7/28. If anyone is interested in running as the Fundraising Chair, please contact Lori Motzko and/or Tiffany (AKA Asher’s Mom 763-291-2804). Tiffany is also willing to train anyone interested in this position!
Wizards Of Winter
Returning to the Rogers High School Performing Arts Center December 4th, 2025! Save the date and join the 728 Cadets and experience the magic of the Holidays fused with the electrifying energy of members that have performed with Classic Rock legends Trans Siberian Orchestra, Def Leppard, Alice Cooper along with Broadway veterans—this is “The Christmas Dream” by THE WIZARDS of WINTER. With breathtaking vocal harmonies, precision instrumentation, and a heartfelt story, each note takes you closer to the true meaning of Christmas. From classic rock to pop ballads, a visit from Mrs. Claus, snow ball fights to beach balls, this show offers pure joy for every generation. Join the journey and experience the wonder—secure your tickets now and make your Holiday season unforgettable!
Proceeds from this concert will benefit the 728 Cadets! Last winter we raised enough funds to purchase two sets of lightweight quads for our percussion students! Don’t miss the most magical night of the season – ticket information coming soon!
If you, your employer, or another organization may be interested in sponsoring this concert, please let us know by sending us an email 728cadetsmarchingband@gmail.com
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