By Monty Siekerman
The Cadets will conclude their two week stay in Ada with a free Thank You show for the public at 8 p.m. on Thursday evening at Dial-Roberson Stadium. The program will last about half an hour since parts of it will be repeated during the final Thursday practice/performance. The Cadets actual show is 11 minutes in length.

“The Unity Project” is the title of this year’s show put on by 154 musicians age 15-22 from throughout the U.S. and internationally. In addition, there are about 65 instructional staff and volunteers here, as well.

Even if it rains on Thursday, The Cadets show will go on in the stadium. But if there is lightening, the event will be moved to the Sports Center or cancelled.

After leaving Ada on Friday, The Cadets will travel to Highland High School in Morengo for two days of practice, then to Mercyhurst College in Pennsylvania for another week of practice.

Their first show, along with other world class drum and bugle corps, is set for the evening of June 23 at the University of Akron stadium. For a complete schedule of The Cadets nationwide tour check out their Facebook page.

This has been the fourth year that The Cadets have come to Ada for two weeks to prepare for their Coast-to-Coast show. They’ve practiced mornings and afternoons in small groups throughout campus, then gather together in the evenings in the stadium as an ensemble to put it all together.

Traditionally, The Cadets offer a free Thank You performance for the community on the night before they leave town. This year it is set for 8 p.m. at Dial-Roberson stadium, which is located on the southwest side of campus.