This page provides quick access to hints and suggestions for parents of band members. We want all families to enjoy their experiences while members of The Pride of Herndon and we hope the information contained here will help enhance those experiences. The information here has accumulated over time and this page offers easy access to many topics. If you have an idea that you want added to this page, please send a note to our webmaster at webmaster@herndonband.org.

Quick Links

What Does *that* Mean?

TAG Day - fundraiser where students present 'tags' with the band performance schedule printed on it to community members while soliciting donations to the band.  Read more.

PIT - Percussion Instrument Team - the large and stationary percussion instruments are staged at the front of the band during marching competitions. The PIT crew is the group of parent volunteers who are responsible for helping to get the instruments on and off the field within the allotted time frame, among other responsibilities.

RED BOX - a locked box that hangs on the door next to Mr. Bergman's office in the band hallway. See the pictures below. This box is used to send/turn in materials to the Band Parent's Association. It is the location where most forms and items can be dropped for pick-up by the BPA Treasurer. NEVER PUT CASH IN THE RED BOX. All monies that are deposited in the RED BOX should be in the form of a check. Generally, checks can be made payable to HHSBPA unless other instructions have been given. All materials deposited into the RED BOX should be inside a sealed envelope with the Band Member's name clearly marked on the outside. It is recommended that a brief description of the contents also be marked on the outside of the envelope.

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Trip Related Hints/Suggestions:

• Parents are reminded that it is a good idea that your band member take some type of snack food (only healthy stuff!) and drink for the motor coach rides to and from. Chewing gum is absolutely forbidden! While a dinner stop on the way is planned, due to the time of night when we return we usually cannot find places to stop and eat on the way home.



• Check the weather for our destination, we may need to bring extra layers of clothing for wet or cold weather (listen for weather up dates).



• Band members may bring videos/dvds to help pass the time on the trip. However, Fairfax County school guidelines allow only movies rated PG-13 and below (G is nice!)



• Mark all videos/dvds with your (or your child's) name so that they can be returned at the end of the trip.

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Band Contest Etiquette - "FANS-IN-STANDS" Guidelines

As Pride of Herndon Band "fans-in-the-stands," we are ambassadors for the PRIDE OF THE HERNDON BAND.

Our actions in the stands are directly related to the hard work and PRIDE of each of our students marching on the field. When attending performances and competitions as ambassadors of the Herndon Band, we have an opportunity to set the standard for fan behavior, just as our students have worked to set the example for performance.

Being an ambassador of the PRIDE OF THE HERNDON includes consideration and respect for the hard work and performance of others. When attending a performance, please keep a few key points in mind:

1. Save conversations for the times between performances. Others want to hear the music.



2. Being careful what you say about the performance of other bands while you are at a competition, can prevent hurting the feelings of other parents whose child has worked as hard as yours. Being appreciative of the performance of other bands will leave a lasting positive impression of the Herndon Band.



3. Always applaud a band's performance. The students work long and hard to perfect a performance and enjoy your appreciation of their efforts.



4. When attending a performance outdoors, be prepared for inclement weathe with a poncho or raincoat. Umbrellas block the view of those behind you and may even be dangerous to others in the close quarters of stadium seating.



5. Our students thrive on our support and look to the stands for the waving frenzy of Herndon Fans. Bring your enthusiasm!



6. When the band is set to perform, refrain from yelling a name or cheering during a quiet segment of the performance. Our students are in performance mode and are concentrating on delivering an excellent performance.



7. When photographing or video taping a performance, be mindful not to block the view of others. (Reminder, BOA does not permit video cameras.)

Finally, and most importantly, attend as many performances as possible to support our students and to enjoy the show!

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Judging Criteria

Many parents have asked about what criteria is used to judge the bands at competition.  There used to be a few online sites that defined all of the judging aspects of a competition.  However, it seems that these sites are no longer available.  We are in the process of finding some new sites that help describe the judging process in laymen's terms and that cover some of the other awards that we might be given in different competitions, so stay tuned...

Awards (Captions) you might hear about:

Drum Major - how well the drum majors direct the show during competition.

Auxiliary (colorguard - originated from early days when a flag usit would stand in front of the marchers - evolved into the colorguard we see today when they added dance and spinning flags.)

Visual Effect - overall look of the show...how well the colorguard movements and marching sets complement the music.

General Effect - how well the music is executed and contributes to the show.

Percussion - how well the percussion unit executes their part of the show.

Visual Ensemble - how well the colorguard executes their part of the show.

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Updated 05/07/2008