Moderator: Ms. Cindy Gradek | ext. 6659
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 known as the “Ritanettes.” The Ritanettes consist of girls from “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 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.
