More Vanguard Memories
Gibbens Robichaux, Sr. (1947)
Mr. St. Pierre was our first band director. Third floor old Thibodaux College, 2 p.m. There were maybe 15 in the band. Wilson Toups and I played soprano saxophones (they were shaped like all saxes, but now are extended like a clarinet- like Kenny G plays). I still have mine, and it needs repair. There were some trumpets and saxophones and maybe a trombone and drums. Johnny Hoffmann, Dean Toups, Van Vives, Wilson Toups and Fred Mire were the ones I remember playing. I was taken from playing the sax to a glockenspiel where I chimed in when necessary. An old instrument, but it served the purpose.
Mr. St. Pierre was an excitable Frenchman, waved his baton frantically, sometimes knocking our music stands over. I remember our first number was
Military Escort. Brother Bernadine followed as director. We would march at football games. One time the director asked if anyone wanted to be a "goof" and march out of line. Fred Mire refused, but I didn't. When the band went one way, I went the other. My mother and her friend were astounded thinking I was confused. It was fun. Needless to say, my mother's friend had sympathy for her thinking her son was stupid.
Some members of the band played football, too. At half time, they would join us in their uniforms. The instruments were owned by us and some were ancient. I think we had some type of uniform with a small cape. Probably bought or made by the Mother's Club. I still have great memories after all these years.
James Louis Cherry (1953)
There were no positions available at that time. The director was the drum major. I used the same trumpet from 5th to 11th grade. I remember how tough it was to get any type of instruction and yet succeed to become what I am today. Knowing that my parents were always in attendance when I was in performance-this still goes on even today!
Bonnie MerkelChampagne (1969)
Getting a "real" uniform after wearing ancient, musty, handed-down coats with white pleated skirts and red knee socks. We were a sight to behold!
Guy "G.G." Gautreaux (1974)
Being selected to represent the band in "America's Youth in Concert" European trip in 1973.
Gerard Rodrigue (1974)
Being the first E.D. White band to receive a Sweepstakes Trophy on the state level in May of 1973. Also, coming home from the Carencro state playoff game in the fog.
Jimmy Ledet (1977)
Beating Acadiana for the first time ever on the marching field at the Deep South Marching Festival in Tulane Stadium.
Garnett B. Tabor (1982)
October 31, 1981 - MBA in Houston, Texas - marching in the mud and giving our best performance ever! Winning 7th place overall in the finals, outstanding in Class A, outstanding flags, and outstanding percussion.
Robert Bordelon (1983)
1978 marching season - Gulfport with Greg Watkins marching with socks over his shoes because he didn't have his uniform shoes. Deep South where the prelims were held in old Tulane Stadium for the last time. District VII festival where we looked terrible and still got 1's. USL and finally the 1st Bayouland Classic where we were Grand Champions.
Angelique Michelle Brou (1994)
Color Guard Captain, Jr. Rep. When I was in 8th grade at MBA in Houston, I was overwhelmed by the pride in our band. My last performance at USL in my Sr. year, I was happy to be finished, but I was upset because I knew that I could never relive the way I felt performing the shows.
Selena Vicknair (1994)
Color Guard Captain. As a representative receiving awards at festival. Band camp tragedies (fire, ambulance, rain). Winning "Best Color Guard" at USL festival. The family -like atmosphere. The band trips, especially the Washington, D.C. trip!! Long, hot practices. The never ending supply of 10-K.
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