The Pride of Herndon (POH)

The HHSBPA is a volunteer-led 501(c)(3) organization that supports the high school band program through fundraising, volunteer coordination, logistics, hospitality, communications and student musical education support.

The HHSBPA typically supports Marching Band, Concert Band, Jazz Band, Color Guard, Drum Line/Percussion, Band Camp, competitions and travel events.

Membership is open to all parents/guardians of current band students, alumni, community supporters and volunteers interested in supporting the band program. Only parents/guardians of current students can be elected to the HHSBPA Board of Directors.

Yes. The HHSBPA operates as an independent nonprofit organization that works in partnership with the school’s band directors and administration.

The HHS band program consists of the following ensembles: 

• Marching Band

• Color Guard

• Indoor Drumline

• Jazz Band

• Percussion Ensemble

• Symphonic Band

• Symphonic Winds

• Wind Ensemble

You can read more about each ensemble here.

The school year is comprised of several key seasons: 

• Band Camp - Late July to Mid August

• Marching Season - August to Marching State Assessments in October

• Winter Guard - Feb - April

• Indoor Drumline - Feb - April 

• Concert Season - Throughout the year

Band camp is an intensive, multi-week training program where the marching band and color guard prepare for the upcoming season. It usually takes place in mid-to-late summer  (July into August) before the school year begins.  The current band camp schedule can be found here:   https://www.herndonband.org/activities-calendar

All marching band members  including color guard participants attend Band Camp.

Yes. Color Guard is an important part of the marching band. When you see references to marching band or “marchers” on schedules, that includes the Color Guard.

No.  There is no transportation provided, Marchers will need to arrange their own transportation.

Submit the following completed forms by Day 1 of Band Camp. Forms can be submitted on paper to the band director, Mr. Fisher or via email to bjfisher@fcps.edu :

• Emergency Care Form (required for camp)

• Medical Authorization Forms (As Needed)

  • FCPS Medication Authorization

  • FCPS Inhaler Authorization

  • FCPS Epinephrine Authorization

• POH Shoes Payment Invoice (First year marchers, veterans who need new shoes, and all Color Guard). Please let the Band Director know if there is a hardship and we will find a way to provide shoes for the year. There are 3 options for purchasing shoes: 

• Check made payable to the “HHSBPA” 

• Cash in envelope with student name

• A link to online orders will appear in June on the website at https://www.herndonband.org/category/all-products

• Lunch

• Any personally necessary medications  

• Filled water bottle, clearly labeled

• Wear socks/sneakers (no Vans or Converse!) and comfortable, athletic clothing

• Sunblock/sunglasses/bug repellant

• Hat or head protection

• Instrument with mouthpiece, extra reeds, valve oil, etc

• Front Ensemble: band aids or medical tape

• Earplugs (essential for percussion)

Snacks are provided at 10am. Typically snacks include granola bars, fruit, Gatorade, popsicles and other handheld snack options.

We will still have band camp even if “All FCPS Outdoor Activities are canceled”. We will move inside to be safe, but please remember we will still practice.

There are two (2) mandatory fundraising events, Tag Day and Showcase of Bands, requiring participation from all band members.

Additional fundraising participation is highly encouraged because it helps offset costs for uniforms, equipment, transportation, instruction, competition fees, hospitality and scholarships.

Volunteer opportunities are shared through our website, email,HHSBPA meetings, social media and the Band app.

Common volunteer roles include chaperones, pit crew/equipment transport, concessions, hospitality suite support, Tag Day drivers/hosts, Showcase staffing, photography, videography and sponsorship outreach.  https://www.herndonband.org/volunteer-opportunities

Funds raised by the HHSBPA commonly support music instruction enhancements, transportation, uniforms, instruments, equipment, props. meals/hospitality, scholarships, band camp supplies and music license purchases. The HHSBPA helps lower marching fees for all students.

Yes. Donations made to a registered 501(c)(3) organization are generally tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Yes. See the sponsorships page for more information.

Examples include Tag Day, Showcase of Bands, spirit nights, merchandise sales, sponsorship opportunities, program ads, and online donations.

Tag Day is a mandatory student-led fundraising event where teams canvas neighborhoods to collect donations and distribute information about the band program.

Showcase of Bands is a VMBC (Virginia Marching Band Cooperative) marching band competition hosted by Herndon High School featuring 30+ bands, thousands of attendees, judges, volunteers and all-day performances.  This is the most complex  HHSBPA fundraising event of the year, requiring over 150 volunteers to ensure this event is a success.

The HHSBPA is governed by an Executive Board including officers such as President, Vice President(s), Treasurer(s), Secretary and standing committee chairs.

Officers are elected annually by voting HHSBPA members according to the organization bylaws.

The bylaws are available on the band website. https://www.herndonband.org/hhsbpa

Ensure the Band Director has contact information for all parents/guardians in the home. Include this information in the registration form or email the Band Director, Mr. Fisher at bjfisher@fcps.edu.

Stay connected by joining the parent email list, attending HHSBPA meetings, signing up to volunteer, reviewing the calendar,  joining the Band app parent group and connecting with other band parents.

Families participate at many different levels. Parents/guardians should try to attend competitions and home football games. Any amount of support helps, whether occasional volunteering, committee leadership, sponsorship outreach, or donations.

Band programs rely heavily on volunteers and community support to create successful experiences for students both on and off the field.

Join the Band App parent/guardian group https://band.us/n/a1a2bb82fdxaV

• Follow us on Facebook & Instagram 

• Attend scheduled social events

• Join the HHSBPA 

• Volunteer

• Support Spirit Nights & events

• Sit together as a group at events

• Band parents attempt to sit together at events to foster a true “band family" experience.  At home Football games, band parents sit in the home stands alongside the band.

Contact information for HHSBPA board members is available on the HHSBPA page: https://www.herndonband.org/hhsbp

Brian Fisher - bjfisher@fcps.edu

Dr. Antares Leask - arleask@fcps.edu