Spectators were treated to the first few minutes of the 2026 Marching Band show on Friday, August 28th, and it was spectacular. On just the fifth day of school, the band took the field at halftime to unveil what we've been waiting to watch. Color guard snapped in unison with the music, and the audience was left with a preview of what will become a memorable performance by the Pride of Herndon. Steal the Show Short 2026 It's early in the season but it's already clear this show is poised to be special. And we're here for it. The Herndon Band is under the direction of Mr. Brian Fisher and Dr. Antares Leask Our 2026 show entitled “Steal the Show - Art Heist” features: Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition “Hatching the Plan” - Ballet of the Unhatched Chicks and Mission Impossible Theme “The Theft” - The Old Castle and Adele’s “Skyfall” “The Chase” - Baba Yaga and Wing’s “Live and Let Die” “Finale” - Smooth Criminal and Great Gate The student captains are Jack Gomez, Charles Patrum, Alex Gilson, and Ashley Cooper Soloists Friday were Daniel Hoffman and Charles Patrum This year’s drum majors are Jonathan Mauricio Lopez and Theo Cuadro Do yourself a favor. Grab the family. Pop some popcorn, stream the Mission Impossible movies, turn off the lights, and turn up the volume. It's going to be a great year, lock your safe.

By Ryka Sen Share your Pride of Herndon journey!

By Class of 2026 Student Leadership & Gabi Arrington (Class of 2029)

Volunteer llist for Herndon High School Showcase of Bands with over 30 local high school marching bands Chat to Volunteer SHOWCASE VOLUNTEER POSITIONS 17 MORE DAYS UNTIL SHOWCASE! Showcase of Bands includes over 30 marching bands from all over Virginia in a 1 day event from 9:00am to 10:00pm. That means 5500+ people coming and going at Herndon High School throughout the day. Showcase operates 100% on volunteer effort. Below you'll find a list with descriptions for positions critical to the success of Showcase. More questions about volunteering? Contact: volunteer@herndonband.org Student volunteers accepted Adult volunteers required Airgrams Form Entry Responsible for entering Airgrams into forms when spectators purchase to give a 'shout-out' to a group or a student. Airgrams Sales Responsible for selling Airgrams, which visitors can purchase to give a 'shout-out' to a group or a student. Band Marshal Accompany assigned band throughout the day and provide directions / timing. Building Monitor Visiting bands will leave their belongings in the cafeteria while on campus. Monitor that only students, staff, or chaperones are accessing the area allocated to their band. Bus and Spectator Parking Direct buses to bus parking area, and patrol the parking lots to help visitors find a parking place. Concessions Assist concessions cashier, stock supplies, and coordinate with Grill and Satellite Stations. Concessions Cashier Handle cash or use HHSBPA provided device for credit card transactions. Concessions Griller Grill hamburgers, veggie burgers, and hotdogs, help wrap food items, or take them to concessions. Have a supply ready during busy purchase times. Crowd Control Prevent patrons exiting and entering bleachers during a band performance. Entrance/Exit Monitors Responsible for the entry and exit of spectators into the stadium. Will review prepaid (electronic) tickets, and receive physical tickets from paying spectators. Facilities Clean-up Help guide students to finish tidying up the stadium and school grounds, collect cones, signs, etc. Facilities Set-up/ Tear-down Help the Facilities crew set up/tear down the facility, including setting up tables, moving and opening/closing canopies, signs, cones, etc. First Aid Assist the Showcase First Aid lead Hospitality Provide refreshments for volunteers, dignitaries, and judges. Hospitality Liaison Team Assist hospitality by making food/provision runs though out the day. Need to use personal vehicle. Pit Parking Direct parking of trucks. Popcorn/Snow Cones Make popcorn or snow cones, and keep supplies stocked. Popcorn/Snow Cones Cashier Handle cash or use HHSBPA provided device for credit card transactions. Assist in filling orders and maintaining supply. Registration Assistant Help register the bands as they arrive at HHS for the event. Stadium Marshal Helps the bands get on/off the field by the band gate and the stadium gate to ensure smooth transitions of the performers. Ticket Sales Responsible for selling entry tickets to the event. HHSBPA will provide credit card devices. Volunteer Check-in Assistant Help with volunteer check-in.

The Herndon High School Band program has been a part of Northern Virginia since 1947, making it the the oldest established high school band in Fairfax County. Herndon High School Bands About Us Founded in 1947, the Herndon High School Band (affectionately called the 'Pride of Herndon') is the oldest school band program in Fairfax County. The band program includes Marching Band, Color Guard, Indoor Drumline, Jazz Band, Percussion Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Symphonic Winds, and Wind Ensemble. The program has been recognized as one of the best band programs in Virginia. Your support and donations help us maintain our high-quality band program, including paying for uniforms, music, instrument maintenance, performances, and competitions. Thank you! Read more About important information Steal The Show - Art Heist Ryan Buckner IT Admin HHSBPA Sep 1 1 min read Copy of Pride of Herndon Alumni share your story. Communications Jun 1 1 min read Class of 2026 Reflections Communications May 28 1 min read NEWS GALLERY EVENTS Upcoming Events Stay up-to-date with our upcoming games, events and performances. SEE ALL EVENTS 1 day to the event Home Football Game & Middle School Night vs Chantilly Thu, Sep 10 Herndon High School Stadium More info Details 10 days to the event Competition - Freedom HS Sat, Sep 19 Freedom High School More info Details 17 days to the event Showcase of Bands Sat, Sep 26 Herndon High School Stadium More info Buy Tickets Load More Our Sponsors SPONSOR US Spencers Safe & Lock Wind Ensemble Sunset Hills Automotive Wind Ensemble The Closet of Greater Herndon Concert Sponsorship Show your support for music education and contribute to the Herndon High School Bands today! Support Us Donate

Scholoarship information for students in the Herndon High School Band SCHOLARSHIPS The Herndon Band is proud to announce the following scholarship programs for graduating seniors: Each scholarship offers a college-bound graduating student a one-time payment. For those individuals and organizations who would are interested in discussing a sponsorship of a scholarship for band and/or and color guard students, please contact Brian Fisher, Director of Bands, Herndon High School. Details of each scholarship can be found below: Richard Bergman Music Education Scholarship The Hirt Family Scholarship The Pride Scholarship The Masonic Lodge Scholarship APPLICATIONS In Memoriam Richard Bergman Music Education Scholarship (Established May 2009) Scholarship Summary The Richard L. Bergman Music Education Scholarship is designed to recognize the graduating band senior who displays a strong interest in music with a preference given to a student pursuing a college degree in music. The student must also demonstrate a strong academic and extra-curricular background. The Richard Bergman Scholarship Application can be found at the bottom of this page Richard Bergman Scholarship Recipients 2026 – Naomi Dixon 2025 – Adalyn Puentes 2024 – Jason Coleman 2023 – Liz Morad 2022 – Adrienne Pinover 2021 – Jake Cuppernull 2020 – Ethan Morad 2019 – Kacey Hillebrand 2018 – James Adams 2017 – Shennan O’Day 2016 – Aimee Toner 2015 – Christine Horting 2014 – Tiberiu Baicoianu 2013 – Jacob Bennett 2012 – Caitlin Williams 2011 – Ryan Little 2010 – Matt Breuer 2009 – Meghan Walsh Richard Bergman Scholarship Criteria The HHSBPA will annually award a one-time $1,000 scholarship in the name of Richard Bergman, Band Director for Herndon High School 1978 – 2008 in order to honor his service and history in the Pride of Herndon Band Program. The recipient will be a senior member of the Pride of Herndon Band who displays a strong interest in music with a preference given to the students pursuing a college degree in music. In addition, the students must demonstrate active participation in many facets of the music program at Herndon High School. The current Director of the Band at Herndon High School will select the top five candidates for Mr. Bergman to review and select the recipient. The candidates will be required to complete an application including an essay question. The recipient of this scholarship must be a current member of the Herndon Band program at the time of application. The recipient will normally be presented the award at the annual Spring Band Award Ceremony by Mr. Bergman or his designee. The recipient will be responsible to notify their college of the need to present the HHSBPA with proof of attendance to their college and a mailing address to send the $1,000 award. Hirt Family Scholarship (Established in 2026 – Combined with Eric Hirt Scholarship) Scholarship Summary The Hirt Family Scholarship was originally created to honor the memory of Eric Hirt, who was an incredible band parent volunteer. Eric passed away in October of 2008, but he left an indelible mark on the Pride of Herndon Band with his selfless, dedicated and nurturing volunteer work. The student awarded this scholarship best exemplified the character and dedication to the band that Eric Hirt displayed for ten years. The scholarship was renamed in 2026 to honor and include Erica Hirt, Eric's daughter and an invaluable member of the Pride of Herndon family who passed away in December of 2025. Hirt Family Scholarship Recipients 2026 – Ryka Sen Eric Hirt Scholarship Recipients 2025 – Christina Chung 2024 – Eric King 2023 – David Merlos 2022 – Matt Vierow 2021 – Samantha Fast 2020 - Erika Hausladen 2019 – Cobrina Chu 2018 – Harold Treminio 2017 – Theresa Vierow 2016 – Scott Walker 2015 – Elizabeth Pater 2014 – Catherine Lambert 2013 – Margaret Shaw 2012 – Austin Miller 2011 – Samhita Nelamengala 2010 – Mary Brady 2009 – Carrie Kurtz Hirt Family Scholarship Criteria The HHSBPA annually awards a one-time $750 scholarship in the name of Eric Hirt and Erica Hirt. Eric was a long-time volunteer, contributor and former HHSBPA President and board member. Erica was an alumni of the Pride of Herndon, dedicated staff member, and a band director in the Herndon Pyramid. The recipient is a graduating senior member of the Pride of Herndon Band who exemplified the qualities of dedication, integrity, and selflessness to the band that Eric and Erica exhibited. The band director and staff select the scholarship recipient in May of each year. Marching Band, Guard, Drumline and Jazz Band students are considered for this award. The recipient is presented the award at the annual Spring awards ceremony by a member of the Hirt family or a family designee. As part of the presentation of the award, a copy of their biographies is presented to the award recipient. Criteria for selection of the recipient for this scholarship were: Demonstrates dedication to the Pride of Herndon Band Recognized by fellow Band members and instructors as person of honor, good character, and integrity Contributes time and effort to the Pride of Herndon Band above and beyond expectations Erica Hirt Biography Ms. Hirt worked with the Pride of Herndon Marching band from the fall of 2011 to winter of 2025. An alumna of Herndon High School, class of 2007, she graduated from James Madison University with a Bachelor of Music degree in 2011. She was the band director at Armstrong ES in Reston and Forestville ES in Great Falls. In addition to teaching in Fairfax County Public Schools, she also 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. Ms. Hirt poured her heart into the Pride of Herndon from the time she joined the band. Erica Hirt lost a three year battle with cancer on December 9, 2025. See her tribute here Eric Hirt Biography Eric Hirt began his volunteer career in 1998 when his son, Justin, joined the Pride of Hendon Band. He started with the Pit crew. If it had wheels on it, Eric drove it. Although his son graduated in 2002 and his daughters Erica and Melinda didn’t start with the band until 2003, Eric continued to volunteer for the Pride of Herndon. In addition to the Pit crew, Eric worked on or ran the Showcase of Bands fundraiser every year, and chaired various competitions at HHS like the Drumline competition and Middle School Band Festival. He served as Vice President and President of the HHSBPA for several years, all the while driving trucks, loading instruments, and cooking at barbeques for students and parents. He also created the web site for our Pride of Herndon Band. He was awarded the Nancy Katz Award in 2007, and the Town of Herndon proclaimed June 17, 2005 as “Eric Hirt Day” for his valuable contributions to our band. Sadly, Eric passed away in October of 2008. He was a caring, steady, and hard-working volunteer who did all he did because he cared so very much for the students. Eric always had a smile on his face, and made hard work lots of fun. His dedication made the Pride of Herndon Band a better place for students and parents alike. We honor Eric for his service to our Band, and award this scholarship in his family's name. The Pride Scholarship Scholarship Summary Beginning in June 2016 the Pride Scholarship was established to honor the contributions and memory of Kyle Mathers, Dale Neibaur, and Holly Novak. The Pride Scholarship is a one-time $1500 scholarship awarded to a student who exemplifies the following characteristics: Pride: The student has demonstrated Pride as part of the Pride of Herndon community. Pride is reflected in how the student treats oneself and the broader community. Compassion: The student treats others with compassion and empathy. This trait ultimately shows pride in oneself and a respect for one’s peers. Community Builder: The student finds ways to help members of the band feel included, through personal interaction or through more organized, yet not necessarily formal efforts. Pride Award Recipients 2026 – Christopher Bunnell 2025 – Adamariz Vasquez-Sudario 2024 – Amran Ahmed 2023 – Eduardo Naula 2022 – Sheila Villareal 2021 – Yeimy Cardoza 2020 – Zoey Birman 2019 – Diego Acosta Argueta 2018 – Allison Bliss 2017 – Tommy Eccleston 2016 – Julia Picchiottino Masonic Lodge Scholarship Scholarship Summary The Masonic Lodge Scholarship is a one-time scholarship awarded to a student. Masonic Lodge Recipients 2026 – TBA 2025 – Earnest Gant