St. Rita Band
Join the St. Rita Band!
Band and Ritanettes now accepting new members!
Please contact Ms. Cindy Gradek or Mrs. Jodi McLawhorn by email, or call
773-925-6600 Ext. 6659 if you are interested in joining
the Marching Mustangs!!
The 11th Annual Mustang Stampede
Sunday, October 3, 2010
About the Mustang Stampede
Our competition starts between 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. and ends between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Our contest is generated in the spirit of friendly 
competition, we use top notch judges, and we have a “state of the art” artificial turf in our stadium (the same type of turf used at most major universities). Our contest provides your students with all the tools and experiences they’ll need to either do their personal best or to prepare for state contests.
Classification
| Novice | Class A | Class AA | Class AAA |
|---|---|---|---|
First time marchers (Critiqued not judged) |
Up to 56 |
57 - 95 |
96 - Above |
Registration & Cost
Please mark the date, print out the registration form, and respond as soon as possible. We would love to have as many groups as possible at our Stampede. Please be sure to write the email address neatly and legibly as we will communicate electronically. The competition’s line up is based upon earliest entries.
Fee for the 2010 Mustang Stampede is: $175.00 per ensemble. Checks payable to: St. Rita H.S. Band.
PDF Registration Form
Course Spotlight: Electronic Music
Emusic (Electronic Music) is a course offered at St. Rita of Cascia High School that teaches elements of music based upon industry standard hardware and software. Read More...
About the St. Rita Band
Marching Mustangs
The St. Rita Marching Mustangs are one of the most active of all bands at St. Rita High School. They compete in competitions, perform in parades, and entertain Mustang fans at the home football games.
The Marching Mustangs are under the direction of Ms. Cindy Gradek. Ms. Gradek and her staff are dedicated to the excellence that the program has been known for throughout the years. The award winning band works all year long, beginning with the marching season where they perform at all home football games and also compete in numerous marching band competitions. As soon as the football season is over the band transforms into a symphonic and jazz band program. During the holiday season, they perform Christmas concerts for local area grammar schools as well as for the St. Rita family. After the holidays the band masters a whole new set of music in preparation for the concert band competition season. There is also a pep band that performs at some of the basketball games as well as other school functions.
The Marching Mustangs also welcome girls from area catholic high schools. They may perform with the band or as a Ritanette. The Ritanettes visually compliment the music. They perform with the marching band where they entertain with exciting flag and rifle routines.
Concert Band
St. Rita High School's Concert Band performs two concerts annually in the Rita Auditorium. The Concert Band competes each February at the State of the Art Catholic Band Competition and at the Midwest Music Festival. The Rita Concert Band also travels to area grammar schools to entertain and educate young children.
Jazz Band
St. Rita High School's Jazz Band is one of the best known groups in the school. The Jazz Band performs for a variety of occasions: The Mother's Club Fashion Show, The Valentine Dinner Dance, and the Alumni Banquet. The Jazz Band also gets "auctioned" off for performances--they are well known for their traveling and entertaining. The Jazz Band has also had the opportunity to perform with Ray Manzarek (Founding member of the "The Doors" and a '56 Rita Alum.)
Ritanettes
The visual compliment to the St. Rita High School Band is know as the "Ritanettes." The Ritanettes consist of girls from are "All Girls Catholic High Schools," who come to Rita to share their dance and twirling abilities. Most members of the Ritanette squad are beginners, as twirling and dancing are not prevalent in our are grammar schools. The Ritanettes perform in the fall with our marching band. In the winter and spring, they entertain our audiences with dance and twirl routines set to modern music.
Past Events:
Bandapalooza 2010
"Music of the Movies" | March 20, 2010
Open to Grammar School Band Students with at least one full year of playing experience.
This Event Offered at No Cost!
| Included | Schedule |
|---|---|
Please bring your own instrument and a wire
|
1:30 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 3:45 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. |
St. Rita of Cascia High School
Invites Grammar School Students to Participate In
BAND DAY 2009! Download Flyer
* Participants should have at least one year of experience on their instrument
| September 18th, 2009 | Participants Receive |
5:00 p.m. • Student drop-off (w/instruments) • Parents: Pick up football game tickets 7:10 p.m. | Pre-game 7:30 p.m. | Gametime |
• Admission to SR Football Game • Complimentary T-Shirt • Free “Mustang Meal” All participants are invited to march on to Doyle Stadium and perform with the award-winning "Marching Mustangs". |
RSVPs are encouraged
Please Email Cindy Gradek, Band Director at cgradek@stritahs.com
Same day registration is available.
Spring Into Wellness this Spring!
Please join us on March 21, 2009 for the
Spring Into Wellness Health Fair
from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Learn about different health organizations in the Chicagoland area.
2010 Band
Summer Schedule
Click Image to Download
Director
Ms. Cindy Gradek
773.925.6600
ext. 6659
Assistant Director
Mrs. Jodi McLawhorn
ext. 6659
Woodwind Instructor
Mr. Rob Denty
Brass Instructor
Brandon Cloman '01
Matthew Shefcik
Percussion Instructor
Andrew Ables
Ritanette Instructor
Jean Serviss
Drill Designer & Marching Instructor
Mr. David Patek
Music Instructor
Mr. Jim Moore
Accomplishments
Symphonic Band
- Saturday, Feb 20, 2010
- State of the Art Catholic Band Competition
- Hosted at Marian Catholic High School
3rd Place in Class AA, Best Percussion, and Esprit de Corps