The Pride of Herndon family is heartbroken to share the news of the passing of one of our most dedicated and beloved band instructors. Erica Hirt lost a three year battle with cancer on December 9, 2025. 

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​Ms. Hirt poured her heart into the Pride of Herndon from the time she joined the band. An alumna of Herndon High School (Class of 2007), she graduated from James Madison University with a Bachelor of Music degree in 2011. Immediately upon graduating she joined the Pride staff, serving through the winter of 2025. Erica was also the band director at Armstrong Elementary in Reston, Forestville Elementary in Great Falls, and Freedom Hill Elementary in Vienna. In addition to teaching in Fairfax County Public Schools, she taught private bassoon lessons in Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William Counties. She performed regularly with the Fairfax Wind Symphony, Manassas Symphony Orchestra, and several other amateur music groups in Herndon and Chantilly.

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The Herndon High School Band Parent Association will be celebrating Ms. Hirt’s memory by accepting donations on her behalf to benefit the Hirt Family Scholarship, which was originally established in memory of her father. Until June 17, 2026, all contributions received from the DONATE link on this site will be directed to the Hirt Family Scholarship (unless specified in email to treasurer@herndonband.org).

Additionally, please share your stories and thoughts in the guest book below.