The Pride of Herndon would not be what it is today without the dedication and committment of its illustrious band directors.  This page highlights those who have helped shape the Herndon Band Program over the years.

Richard Bergman, Director of Bands at Herndon High School, 1978-2008

Mr. Richard Bergman, a native of New York City, New York, is a graduate of the University of Maryland where he received his Bachelor of Music Education Degree in 1967 and his Master of Education Degree in 1975.  He began his teaching career in Prince George's County, Maryland where he taught both junior and senior high school.  From 1971-1977 he directed the Crossland High School Symphonic Band which he developed into one of the finest ensembles in the Mid-Atlantic States.  Mr. Bergman began his career at Herndon High School in 1978, and retired after 30 years in 2008.  Under his direction the band program at Herndon received national recognition for its excellence of performance in clinics, concerts, festivals and competitions.

Among its many appearances, the band has performed at the Mid-East Music Convention, Pittsburgh, Pa. in 1985; twice at the prestigious Mid-west International Band and Orchestra Convention Chicago, IL in 1987 and 1995; the Music Educator's National Conference 53^rd National In-Service Convention, New Orleans, LA in 1992 and in Tennesse in 2003; tne American Band Masters Convention in Baltimore, MD in 2004 (where the band received a three minute standing ovation); and four times at the Virginia Music Educators Convention.  Under Mr. Bergman's direction, the HHS band has received over thirty first place and grand champion awards at every competition it has participated in since 1982.  Mr. John Paynter, chairman of the music department at Northwestern University, has described the Herndon bands as being among the finest and most musical ensembles in the United States.  In 1991 the Herndon Wind Ensemble was named by the John Philip Sousa Foundation as that year's only recipient of the Sudler Flag of Honor.  This is the highest national honor any concert band program can receive.

Mr. Bergman is a member of Phi Mu Alpha, The Virginia Band and Orchestra Director's Association, Music Educator's National Conference, National Band Association, Percussive Arts Society, National Association of Jazz Educator's and the Fairfax County Federation of Teachers.  He was president of the Maryland Band Directors Association and was also editor of their solo and ensemble and concert list manual.  In 1995 Mr. Bergman was elected into the American Bandmasters Association.

On numerous occasions the Board of Supervisors of Fairfax County, Virginia and the Board of Education in Prince George's County, Maryland have cited Mr. Bergman for his outstanding contributions to music education.  Included in these honors are ten "Commendations of Excellence" from the Fairfax County Board of Education.  In addition, his bands have been recognized for their excellence by the legislatures of Virginia and Maryland.  He has also received nine Commendations of Excellence from the National Band Directors Association, and in 1994 was listed in the Who's Who of American Educators.  In 2008 Mr. Bergman was named teacher of the year by the Herndon-Reston Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. Bergman has served as an active adjudicator, clinician, consultant, and guest conductor in many of the Mid-Atlantic, Southern and Northeastern states.  Presently Mr. Bergman is the conductor of the King's Park Adult Community Band in Burke, VA.

Chuck Hawkins, Assistant Director of Bands at Herndon High School, 1988-2008

Since 1988, Mr. Hawkins has been the Assistant Director at Herndon High School and was responsible for production design, program coordination and all on-field aspects of The Pride of Herndon Marching Band.  Chuck (who refuses to be called "sir") brings a broad experience working with youth, and credits band activities with "making me what I am today."  A veteran of nearly four years with the U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps of Washington, D.C. and five years on the band staff of Falls Church High School, Chuck has also served on the staff of the Magic of Orlando Drum and Bugle Corps.  In his spare time, Chuck is a Battalion Chief in the Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department.