Rochester’s Empire Cadets add 3-D entertainment to holiday weekend field and parade performances

The Empire Cadets, the youth marching band operated through the community outreach program of Rochester’s Empire Statesmen, will be adding a touch of entertainment in 3-D to two major events on the July 4 holiday weekend.

The instruction program offered to the Empire Cadets helps the young members develop three important qualities: dedication, discipline and dynamism. The Empire Cadets will perform in exhibition during the third annual Vince Bruni Preview of Champions contest at Wegmans Stadium at Aquinas Institute on July 1, then march in the neighboring town of Irondequoit’s annual July 4 parade.

Music performed by the Cadets this year includes a rousing version of It’s A Grand Old Flag, When the Saints Go Marching In, and I Go To Rio. Empire Cadet activities are geared to the school year. The band’s summer break begins after the July 4 parade, with regular practices starting again in October.

The Empire Cadets performance schedule this year has included winter stage concerts in Rochester and surrounding communities, the Rochester Lilac Festival Parade and Memorial Day Parades. More than 15,000 youngsters have participated in the youth program since it was founded by the late Vince Bruni in 1975. The youth group has operated under various names over that 30-year period.