Testimonials
Our Cardinal Music Alumni program is filled with success stories of former students who have gone on to pursue a career in music and other Industries. We are incredibly proud of the accomplishments of our alumni, and are always excited to hear their success stories. We invite you to take a look at the testimonials from our alumni on our website and get inspired by their journeys.
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Tim Robichaux Class 1979
E. D. White Catholic High President
"My 5 years in the Cardinal Vanguard were very important to me in my life journey. Not only did I meet my soulmate, Michele Gann; but I also learned many life lessons - discipline, teamwork, patience, leadership, love and faith. I was lucky enough to be in the Cardinal Vanguard in the early years, when the foundation for excellence was established. Some of my favorite memories were winning a contest at Tulane stadium and performing for half-time of a Tulane game, winning reserve grand champions at Showcase and placing 5th at a BOA competition in Houston. Of course, the bus rides and going away for band camp are high on the memory list as well. Finally, I was fortunate enough to lead the Cardinal Vanguard for 10 years. Those memories are too numerous to mention. I am proud that today our Cardinal Vanguard continues the excellence established long ago and more importantly, prepares young people for life."
Alycee Naquin Class of 2001
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"I went into the Cardinal Music program as a timid, shy 8th grader, and I finished my senior year as band president. There’s no denying how salient a role the program played in my development as a musician and as a young woman. My experiences brought me to the next level of musicianship and connected me with similar, likeminded people whose friendships I still enjoy today over 20 years later. I also learned skills in leadership that I’m employing now as a program director at Start Corporation. My twin daughters joined the vanguard as 7th graders, and though I’ve had many proud moments in life, I’ll say there are few that exceed the pride of seeing my children wear the Cardinal Music uniform just as I did two decades ago."
Amanda Drinkwater Class 1987
Director of Fine Arts
Lewisville ISD, Texas
“Membership in the EDW Cardinal Vanguard was a special experience that positively impacted my personal trajectory beyond high school. Dedicated program directors and student leaders modeled character-building values within the organization - diligence, commitment, and perseverance. The pursuit of excellence within that team environment served as a formative foundation that inspired subsequent lifelong endeavors. I am ever grateful for the relationships forged and opportunities gained through engagement in the band program those years at EDW.”
Christopher Doiron, Class of 2010
Project Manager/Designer, Tipton Associates
Brass Performer, Mellophone, Carolina Crown ‘11-’13
LSU Tiger Band Member, Mellophone ‘10-’13, Section Leader ‘12-’13
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Performing at WGI Championships as a member of E.D. White Indoor Percussion and attending the BOA Summer Symposium (now Music for All) were experiences that fostered a passion for the performing arts early in my high school education. I was in awe at the synthesis of athleticism, design, and artistic expression. Because of visionary direction, passionate student leadership, and dedicated parent volunteers, our members were afforded many other learning opportunities in the classroom, on the field, and on the concert hall stage that ignited an incredible period of student-driven success.
As a member of the Cardinal Vanguard, I learned core values of integrity, respect, commitment, and excellence that allowed me to balance completing my Bachelor of Architecture degree, while enjoying four years as a member of the LSU Tiger Band. These values continued to grow and mature during my time as a brass performer with Carolina Crown and are at the core of my professional career.
What I hold dear from my time at EDW are the memories and joys surrounding live performance. The experience of working collectively towards a common goal greatly influences how I lead a design team, as well as guide and advise clients. I am forever grateful for passionate educators who instilled in me values learned through the performing arts.
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Affiliated Experiences/Roles:
Design Studio Instructor, School of Architecture & School of Interior Design, Louisiana State University Fall ‘21-Spring ‘22
Assistant Visual Caption Supervisor, Legends Drum & Bugle Corps ‘17-’19
Visual Designer, Fontainebleau High School Crimson Band, ‘15-’17
Visual Instructor, Legends Drum & Bugle Corps ‘14-’16
Therese Landry DeMouy, Class of 1978
Retired OB/GYN Physician
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Though I spent only two years in the Cardinal Vanguard and concert band, those memories and skills remain with me. I’ve been in community bands in Baton Rouge, and now in Austin and San Antonio, TX. I like to think it’s keeping me young!
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