The Herndon High School Band has been a part of Northern Virginia since 1947.  The oldest established high school band in Fairfax County had its genesis when dedicated parents and citizens convinced Vladamir Johnson, a Russian interpreter and part-time music teacher from Washington, D.C., to rehearse a group of fledgling musicians in the rural town of Herndon.

The same program served as an inspiration and model for the instrumental music groups later formed in Fairfax County schools.  Today, these program expose thousands of young people to the unique enjoyment of making music together and participating in concerts, festivals and competitions of various categories at the county, state and national level.

Today, Herndon Virginia is a thriving suburb of Washington, D.C. and the center of the "Netplex," home of many Internet related companies.  The band program at Herndon High School has mirrored the growth of the town, increasing from that original group of fifteen musicians to more than 200 instrumentalists comprising the following ensembles: Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band and Jazz Band, all currently under the direction of Ms. Kathleen Schoelwer.