Marching
Mustangs Host
Two Successful Events
The St. Rita Marching Mustangs have been a
staple in the stands and on the field for the school’s Varsity
Football games, but the band does so much more to promote the
musical arts throughout the community. Recently, under the
direction of Cindy Gradek and Jodi McLawhorn, the Marching
Mustangs hosted a Band Day for Grammar School Students, and the
Mustang Stampede for local high schools. Band Day is an
opportunity for grammar school students to visit St. Rita’s
campus, learn what a high school band is like, and even march on
the field with the Mustangs before a football game. This year’s
event, September 21, drew more than 50 budding musicians, and
was hugely successful in providing the thrilling experience of
marching onto the football field with instruments held high.
The 8th Annual Mustang Stampede Marching
Band Competition, held in St. Rita’s Doyle Stadium September 30,
is an event that invites area high school marching bands to
showcase their talents amongst their peers in a competitive
setting. In each of the three classes (determined by size),
bands were expertly judged in both musical and visual categories
of their performance, as well as individual sections, such as
percussion and woodwinds. There are also ratings for auxiliary
and drum majors. This year 22 area schools competed, including
bands from as far away as Romeoville, Elk Grove, and Niles. A
packed house witnessed the triumphs of each class.
In the single A class, Antioch Community
High School won 1st place in the overall standings.
Thornton Fractional Township South High School won 1st
place overall in the AA class, and Glenbrook South High School
won 1st place overall in the AAA class, as well as
taking home each category’s individual honor. See
full results.
St. Rita High School congratulates the
Marching Mustangs and the Band program on hosting these two
extremely successful events, and thanks everyone who
participated in these music-filled days.
