Sophomore Nikki La Voie scanned the list, searching for her name amid the jumble of other people crowded around the paper. Locating hers, she smiled at the result.
“I just felt really happy and proud of myself for doing the best I could,” La Voie said. “I didn’t care about the publicity, it was more for personal achievement and pushing myself to do better at what I do. It’s such a unique experience to play my instrument and find out that I’m pretty good at it.”
La Voie received the Esprit de Corps as an eighth grader, an award only given to one person in top band. A plaque in Worley Middle School’s band hall features her name.
“When I play my instrument competitively it’s one of the most nerve-wracking moments, partly because I’m afraid of messing up, and partly because I want to show off how great I can be,” La Voie said. “Having other kids from other schools in the same room, listening to how I play- it’s really hard to not mess up under all the pressure.”
One of her proudest achievements took place during her freshman year, when she made All-Region band for the first time and placed 14th out of 30. Including La Voie, only five freshmen made region that year.
“I was one of the freshmen competing against a lot of talented juniors and seniors,” La Voie said. “It’s such a unique experience to play my instrument and find out that I’m pretty good at it. Those are the moments that make me feel great and proud of what I can do. ”
La Voie earned the title of section leader, and plays in top band.
“I’d consider Nikki as very talented,” Alex Corpus said. “And she always has time to help others out, like if anyone doesn’t understand the assignment, then she’ll go out of her way to help them, and make sure she understands what’s going on.”
La Voie has auditioned twice for All-Region band, and made it both times playing her trombone. The following winters after auditioning, she attended a clinic with the other winners, and together they put on a concert for anyone to listen and enjoy.
“I might not be the best, but I always do my best,” La Voie said.
