Chicago Heights, IL-(ENEWSPF)- Gretchen Stibich, a senior student at Marian Catholic High School and Tinley Park resident, received a music scholarship from DePauw University in Indiana. Stibich, who was attracted to DePauw’s campus and music curriculum, will focus on both clarinet and piano while also pursuing a double major in music and a second undetermined concentration.
As first-chair clarinet player in the Marian Catholic Band, Stibich exhibits leadership skills and pure musical talent. “We are very proud of Gretchen,” said Greg Bimm, MCHS Band Director. “She is a fine musician playing principal clarinet in our top band. She is a section leader, an all-stater, and a band officer. In short, she is the kind of student that we hope all band members aspire to be. We directors are so happy to see Gretchen receive this well-deserved recognition.”
Bobby Lambert, MHCS Assistant Band Director, confirms Stibich’s potential: “Any student who receives full tuition to a university has accomplished a great feat and Gretchen is no exception.” Recognizing her past high school experience, he further states that Marian Catholic High School has “given her the knowledge, skills, and opportunity to truly benefit DePauw, making their investment worthwhile. At the same time, she has received the opportunity to focus solely on growth as a student and a musician.”
Gretchen Stibich’s success in music is further evidence of the quality of Marian Catholic High School’s fine band program. In both national and state competitions, the Marian Catholic Band has been recognized as one of the outstanding concert and marching bands in the United States, earning hundreds of awards and honors. In Bands of America National Competition, the Marian bands have been named Summer National Champion five times and in the Illinois Marching Band Championship Competitions. The Marian Band is undefeated in its class for the past thirty years, an unprecedented achievement in any arena.
