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Chaperone Chair Herndon High School Band < Back Previous Next Chaperone Chair Mei Acuna chaperone@herndonband.org I'M INTERESTED Board Coordinates chaperone volunteers for all marching band trips and spring trip. Works with Band Director to choose trip activities and deal with special student circumstances. Works closely with Transportation Coordinator to ensure that buses and trucks are available for each trip. Workload shared with Transportation Coordinator. Attends all trips, unless their own child is not performing. Attends all HHSBPA Board Meetings (usually held 2nd Monday of each month) Must be comfortable with spreadsheet, powerpoint and word applications. Full documentation of all trips from previous 10 years is available for reference. Previous Next

Tag Day Coordinator Herndon High School Band < Back Previous Next Tag Day Coordinator Shadow Needed Sabrina Donnelly areachair@herndonband.org I'M INTERESTED Subcommittee Tag Day is the biggest fundraising event for the Pride of Herndon Band. Donations collected on Tag Day are split 50-50 between the student accounts and the band. These proceeds can be used for future expenses such as concert fees and the Spring trip. To bring in those donations, all HHS band and Guard students, dressed in their band or Guard uniforms, walk door-to-door in their neighborhoods asking for contributions. The students travel in groups of two or three and hand out flyers with information about the band and tags with the concert schedule for the band (hence the name -Tag Day) while asking for contributions. If no one is home, the students will leave a mail-in envelope. Students can also send contribution requests to relatives and friends. Coordinator Responsibilities include: Ask for an area chair and co-chair for each area. (beginning of band camp) Get everything ready to go to the printer Look at the number of kids in each area and consider moving some in order to level the areas. (last week in August) Send everything to the printer. (1 or 2 weeks before area chair meeting) Divide handouts/envelops/tags by area and prepare area bags (cloth grocery bags or boxes). Hold area chair meeting to distribute handouts, etc. and give instruction to area chairs. (the last week of band camp during the evening camp time) Visit area chair homes to see how things are going Count money -Treasurer comes to coordinator's house and the area chairs arrive at scheduled times to count money together Prepare summary report for the BPA Board Previous Next

Volunteer Chair Herndon High School Band < Back Previous Next Volunteer Chair Shadow Needed Christine Cuadro volunteer@herndonband.org I'M INTERESTED Board Volunteer Coordinator works with the Director, various Chairs, and Board positions to meet volunteer requests for all events. This position involves: Updating the volunteer sheet that is sent out in the Summer mailing Collecting names, phones, emails of potential volunteers for each event; Organizing times and schedules; contacting volunteers; and sending out final reminders Responsibility for all Showcase volunteers-parents, HHS students, HMS students, and others. Showcase also includes the creation of a volunteer schedule in conjunction with the various Showcase Chairs. The volunteer coordinator also works on the Nominating Committee to fill positions for the next year Clear communication with the Band Director, Board of Directors, Fundraising Chairperson, various Chairs, CutTime Managers, and parents is necessary Communication is through phone contact, personal emails, and written band blasts. Sign Up Genius is used as a means of organizing volunteers via the web. Volunteer Coordinator is an ongoing job throughout the school year and summer months Previous Next

Treasurer Herndon High School Band < Back Previous Next Treasurer Lynne DeRoche treasurer@herndonband.org I'M INTERESTED Board The Treasurer shall maintain the records of all HHSBPA financial activities and shall be bonded through the means of an adequate fidelity bond. From the HHSBPA bylaws, the Treasurer shall: Establish and maintain, in accordance with generally accepted principles of accounting, an appropriate accounting system, including reports Maintain checking and other accounts as needed at a local financial institution and reconcile monthly bank statements Keep an accurate and detailed account of all receipts and expenditures of the Association and preserve all vouchers, receipts, statements and canceled checks, when available. (An assistant may enter information into QuickBooks and maintain filing) Prepare the annual budget for review by the Board of Directors and presentation to the membership. Maintain custody of all funds, expending money only by check or other means consistent with these bylaws and as otherwise authorized by the Board of Directors. (An assistant may prepare checks for the Treasurer's signature) Make deposits of all income in the proper accounts as designated in the budget. (An assistant may enter information into QuickBooks) Maintain the non-profit status for the Association Maintain any needed business licenses for the Association. Be responsible for maintaining and updating all student account records and communicating student account information to students and parents on a regular basis. (An assistant may update and maintain the student account records) Be responsible for the submission of all Federal, State and Local tax and information returns including, but not limited to, IRS Forms 990 and 1099 Monitor the budget, provide a report at every Board meeting, and alert the Board to any concerns Previous Next

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 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 - TBD 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 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 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 2025 - Earnest Gant

Band Directors for the Herndon High School Band Band Directors Brian Fisher Director of HHS Band Program Read More Aubrey Adams Percussion Ensemble Read More Dr. Antares Leask Color Guard Read More Bradley M. Johnson Marching Techs, Marching Band Read More Chris Cunningham Jazz Band, Brass Tech Read More Erica Hirt (In Memoriam) Marching Tech, Marching Band Read More Zoey Birman Marching Band Read More James Covington Marching Band Assistant Read More Joseph Fogleson Marching Percussion Read More Salvatore Boenzi Guard Read More Sarah Mister Guard Read More Gracie Smith Guard Read More Sharon Bonneau Woodwinds Tech, Marching Band Read More PAST DIRECTORS

Remembering Erica Hirt. HHS Band instructor through 2025 ERICA HIRT 1988 - 2025 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. 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. 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. A Memorial service will take place on Saturday, April 18th at 1:30pm - Herndon United Methodist Church. Donate in Erica's honor today DONATE - or - Make out your checks to : HHSBPA PO Box 1293 Herndon, VA 20172-1293 share your thoughts Your images and thoughts will be shared with the Hirt and Pride of Herndon families, unless you choose to keep them private Message* From* First and last name or first name and instrument/section Graduation Year example 2025 or '97 Want to share a photo? Upload File Check this to keep your message private. It will still be shared with the family SEND ERICA hirt obituary | FACEBOOK | DONATE

Herndon High School's Indoor / Winter Guard ijn Herndon, VA Indoor Guard The Pride of Herndon Indoor Guard (also known as Winter Guard) is our competitive indoor Color Guard unit. We practice throughout the winter, and compete regionally on the Atlantic Indoor Association (AIA) circuit, in February and March. This theatrical Guard group performs to recorded music with choreography that uses interpretive movement, dance, flags, weaponry and other equipment or props to tell a story or evoke an emotion. You will learn teamwork and performance skills while representing the Pride of Herndon at competitions. For experienced guard members, it is a great way to maintain skills for the next Marching season, and learn some new moves. For newcomers to the sport, no experience is necessary to join and beginners are warmly welcomed. We will teach you all you need to know! An interest meeting is typically held in November. Optional December practice sessions are designed for beginners to learn the basics and recommended for those interested in Leadership and/or planning to audition for Advanced Features. We move to twice a week practices, typically in the evening, starting in January and running through March. Our Indoor Guard is a great group of dedicated individuals (both boys and girls) and is a lot of fun, but it does require commitment. We are competitive. We work hard. An option for those who want to be involved but don’t want to perform is to volunteer as crew support on competition days. We can have a lot of equipment, props, and a large floor to move around and welcome helpers! Or just come out to enjoy the show and cheer us on! You can also contact the instructor at winterguard@herndonband.org or the HHSBPA Guard Rep at GuardRep@herndonband.org Coach Coaches Renée Guard Nix Guard Jax Guard Alex Guard Cappy Guard Ashley Guard Alex Guard Xi Guard Darselle Guard Sergio Guard Ozzie Guard Captain

History of the Pride of Herndon Marching Band in Herndon, VA HISTORY & AWARDS 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. The program began when dedicated parents and citizens convinced Vladamir Johnson, a Russian interpreter and part-time music teacher from Washington, D.C., to rehearse a group of fledgling musicians in the rural town of Herndon. The program that started in Herndon, Virginia served as an inspiration and model for the instrumental music groups later formed in Fairfax County schools. Today, these programs expose thousands of young people to the unique enjoyment of making music together and participating in concerts, festivals and competitions of various categories at the county, state and national level. Today, the band program at Herndon High School has mirrored the growth of Herndon, increasing from that original group of fifteen musicians to more than 150 instrumentalists comprising the following ensembles: Marching Band, Guard, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, and Indoor Drumline, under the direction of Mr. Brian Fisher. Honor Band Designation A band receives the Honor Band designation when they receive a superior rating at VBODA Marching Band Assessment and the Wind Ensemble Band Assessment. Herndon received the Honor Band Designation for the following years: - 2025, 2018, 2017, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2010, 2009, 1987,1985 Recognition The Herndon High School Bands have won the following awards: Parades Herndon has performed in the following parades: Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade in Oahu, HI, 2023 Reston Holiday Parade, Reston, VA 2023 75th Anniversary of D-Day in Normandy, 2019 NATO International Military Tattoo Parade, Norfolk, 2018, Thanksgiving Day Parade, Philadelphia, 2017 Macy’s Holiday Parade at Universal Studios, Orlando, 2016 National Cherry Blossom Parade, Washington DC, 2016 Disney Main Street Electrical Parade, Orlando, 2015 Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade, selected to represent Virginia & won Grand Champion, 2013 Reston Holiday Parade, 2013 (Percussion and Guard 2011-2015) – ranked #2 favorite in nation behind Macy’s by USA Today readers In the past Herndon has performed at the following: VMEA in 2014, 2007, 2003, 1995, 1987, 1983 Sudler Flag of Honor in 1991 Music Educators National Convention in 2002 and 1991 Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic in 1987 and 1995 American Band Masters Convention in 2003 Music Educators National Convention in 2002, 1991 Midwest International Band & Orchestra Clinic in 1995, 1987 American Band Masters Convention in 2003 Meet Our Band DirectoR Mr. Fisher is the Director of the Band Program at HHS. He was the band director at Herndon Middle School from 2018 - 2024. Before that he was at Wakefield HS in Arlington. He has also taught band at Kenmore MS, Wilson HS (Washington D.C.), and West Milford HS and Macopin MS (New Jersey) ALL DIRECTORS Brian Fisher Director of HHS Band Program past DirectoRs Past Directors The Pride of Herndon would not be what it is today without the dedication and commitment of its illustrious band directors. This page highlights those who have helped shape the Herndon Band Program over the years. Valdemar Johnson, 1947 – 1958 Fritz Velke, 1958 – 1964 ... He won the 1962 Ostwald Award for "Concertino for Band" WHILE he was the HHS band director!!! James Swiney, 1964 - 1968 Larry Willis, 1968 – 1971 George Duman, 1971 – 1978 Richard Bergman, 1978 - 2008 Kathleen Jacoby, 2008-2024 If you have additional information or dates on the above directors, please contact director@herndonband.org and communications@herndonband.org READ MORE

Erica Hirt (In Memoriam) | Herndon High School Band < Back Erica Hirt (In Memoriam) Marching Tech, Marching Band 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. Please take a few minutes to read the tribute to Ms. Hirt Previous Next

Purchase business ads for the annual Showcase of Bands, hosted by Herndon High School showcase business ads The Pride of Herndon Marching Band will host the 28th Annual Showcase of Bands at Herndon High School in 2025. This year 30+ high school bands will perform at this event, all accompanied by a large contingent of parents and supporters. We invite you as a member of the Herndon community and friend of Herndon High School band program to support this exciting event by purchasing advertising space in the online Showcase event program that will be seen by over 2,000 event attendees. Full Page Premium Placement Ads will be strategically positioned for greater viewership at the beginning of the online program For full-page ads or Premium Placement we will do social media shout outs the week of the event and mention your company name during the Showcase performance Your contributions enable us to provide ongoing repair, maintenance and replacement of uniforms and instruments to ensure that the "Pride of Herndon" always looks and sounds its best. Your support will also help us enlist additional staff to provide instruction to the students and ensure that they enjoy positive education and performance experiences. Besides advertising in the Showcase Program. we also invite you to consider sponsoring the Herndon HS Band. 501(c)3 tax information: Herndon High School Band Parents Association, Herndon, VA Tax-exempt since Sept. 1993 EIN: 54-1629832 business ad order form FAQ: When is the deadline? Please have your business ad submitted and paid by September 19th What are the dimensions for each ad size? A full page letter sheet is 8.5 x11, half page would be 8.5 x 5.5, and quarter page would be 4.25 x 5.5 Are ads in color? Programs will be online in PDF format and will be in full color. If you would like your ad to be in black and white you'll simply need to design it that way What file formats are acceptable? You can upload any common image format (png, jpg, svg) or document format (doc, docx, pdf) business ad order form: Business Ads are not available for purchase at this time Business Name* Contact Email* Contact First name* Contact Last name* I'll email my ad later Upload Ad & Images Select your ad type* Full Page $120 Half Page $95 Quarter Page $70 Submit more ways to purchase ads: MAIL Mail your checks to HHSBPA Send to PO Box 1293 Herndon, VA 20172-1293 email showcaseads@herndonband.org

Past Directors of the Herndon High School Pride of Herndon Marching Band Past Directors The Pride of Herndon would not be what it is today without the dedication and commitment of its illustrious band directors. This page highlights those who have helped shape the Herndon Band Program over the years. Valdemar Johnson , 1947 – 1958 Fritz Velke , 1958 – 1964 ... He won the 1962 Ostwald Award for "Concertino for Band" WHILE he was the HHS band director!!! James Swiney , 1964 - 1968 Larry Willis , 1968 – 1971 George Duman , 1971 – 1978 Richard Bergman , 1978 - 2008 Kathleen Jacoby , 2008 - 2024 If you have additional information or dates on the above directors, please contact director@herndonband.org and communications@herndonband.org read about our past directors Kathleen Jacoby, Director of Bands at Herndon High School, 2008-2024 Before accepting a position in the FCPS HR Department. Kathleen Jacoby was the Director of Bands at Herndon High School from 2008-2024. She conducted three concert ensembles, the Pride of Herndon Marching Band, and Percussion Ensemble. She taught AP Music Theory and sponsored the department Tri-M chapter. Mrs. Jacoby is the 2022 Fairfax County Public Schools Outstanding Secondary Teacher of the year. She is Conn Selmer VIP and a member of Phi Beta Mu. In 2019 and 2014 she was awarded commendations from the Town of Herndon and Fairfax County School Board. In both 2010 and again in 2017 Mrs. Jacoby was recognized by the School Band and Orchestra Magazine as “50 Music Teachers to Watch.” She has received a Presidential Citation from the Virginia Department of Education twice, and has been recognized by “Who’s Who in America.” Mrs. Jacoby was Courtland (Spotsylvania County, VA) High School’s New Teacher of the Year in 2005. Mrs. Jacoby was on staff with the American Music Abroad for four summer tours, performing concerts across Europe. Under Mrs. Jacoby’s direction, The Pride of Herndon had repeatedly been a Virginia Honor Band, traveled to Pearl Harbor in 2023 by invitation for the December 7th Memorial Parade, represented the United States at the 75th anniversary of the D-Day Invasion in Normandy France, won grand champion at the 2013 Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade in Honolulu while representing Virginia, and been the only band to ever perform at the Central Intelligence Agency headquarters. In 2014 the United States House of Representatives issued a commendation to recognize the outstanding work of The Pride. The Pride performed in the NATO Parade in 2018, the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Parade in 2017, the National Cherry Blossom Parade in 2016, Macy’s Holiday Parade at Universal Studios in 2016, and the Disney Electric Light Parade in April 2014. Prior to coming to the Pride of Herndon, Mrs. Jacoby spent four years as the Director of Bands at Courtland High School. In addition to teaching ensembles, she conducted school musicals and founded the school’s Tri-M Music Honors Society chapter and Flute Choir. During her tenure, the Symphonic Band received its first Superior Rating for Grade VI literature and became one of the few bands in the Commonwealth achieved 10-Year Honor Band status. Mrs. Jacoby is a native of Arlington, Virginia and graduated from James Madison University with a Bachelors of Music. While at JMU, she was a Drum Major of the Marching Royal Dukes and President of the JMU chapter of the Music Educator’s National Conference. Under her leadership, the JMU chapter broke state membership records. From a pool of nearly two thousand other chapters, JMU CMENC won two out of three National Chapter of Excellence awards. Mrs. Jacoby was also an officer in the Eta Omicron chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi. 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 53rd 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. George Eugene Duman, Jr. (1936-2013) Gene Duman was Herndon High School’s fifth band director, serving from 1971 to 1978. He was born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, but grew up in Baltimore, where his outstanding tuba playing won him a full four-year scholarship to The Peabody Conservatory of Music. Upon graduating, he came to Fairfax County and in 1962, opened Edison High School, where his bands were consistently awarded “Superior” ratings at District Festival. Moving to Herndon in 1971, he replicated his success at Edison, starting a host of HHS Band Traditions in the process. 1971 saw the first-ever Tag Day Concert. In 1972, he founded the Wind Ensemble as the school’s premiere concert band, and designated the Symphonic Band as the program’s core marching unit, giving the latter group a mission all its own and a newfound pride to go with it. He conducted the first HHS musical with a full pit orchestra – “The Music Man” – in 1974, and made Jazz Band and Music Theory classes for credit. And in 1972, he had the marching band play “You’ve Said It All” which, to the surprise of pretty much everyone – including Mr. Duman – promptly became The Unofficial HHS Fight Song. He departed Herndon in style in 1978, with the Wind Ensemble winning a major, three-day-long national band competition in Florida. In the words of a former student, “With Mr. Duman, band was always exciting, educational, challenging, musically rewarding – and more fun than anyone should be allowed to have in a school building.” Gene Duman’s seven years at HHS had – and continue to have – a tremendously positive impact both on the those he taught, and on the structure and success of the Herndon band program. It is that life and musical legacy which we celebrate at the HHS Band 2013 Winter Concert. Mitchell Samuel Bender (1934-2013) - Band Director at Herndon Intermediate School from 1966 to 1984 Mitch Bender was the band director at Herndon Intermediate School from 1966 to 1984. Born and raised in Aurora, Illinois, he took up trumpet at an early age and attended Chicago’s VanderCook College of Music, from which he earned a B.A. in Music Education in 1958. Mr. Bender began his teaching career in his native Illinois, moving to Fairfax County and Herndon Intermediate in 1966, where his bands routinely earned “Excellent” or “Superior” ratings. Mr. Bender’s fine work at Herndon Intermediate ensured that a steady stream of outstanding freshman musicians was funneled into the HHS band program for almost 20 years, directly contributing to the latter program’s golden reputation and success. Mr. Bender’s musical achievements were to continue in a similar vein when he became the founding band director at Reston’s Langston Hughes Middle School in 1984. After retiring in 1994, Mr. Bender remained an active presence in the local school band community, often serving as an announcer at VBODA District Festivals. In retirement, he also founded MSB Publishing, Inc., which boasted over 200 titles in its catalogue by highly-regarded composers such as Elliot Del Borgo, Joseph Compiello, and Dr. Robert Cameron. A gifted composer and arranger in his own right, Mr. Bender wrote fluently and well for band, orchestra, chorus, solo voice, and virtually every instrument imaginable. But most especially, Mitch Bender drew on his decades of classroom experience to craft dozens of attractive, high-quality selections that could be played and enjoyed by the sort of aspiring young musicians that he taught, knew, and loved so well. Update on Fritz Velke, James Marvin Swiney and Larry Willis - On June 7th, 2019 we received this interesting and informative email from Alumni Luther H. Nossett (Class of '69) where he talks us about three of the band directors listed above !!! Here goes - Good Morning: I was in the HHS band from 1963 to 1969 and knew the all three of the directors for which your site requested information. We are celebrating our 50th Anniversary of graduation this weekend and coupled with the band's trip to Normandy, one of our class members was viewing your site and found the request for more information on these men. I will share what I know personally, and refer you to other resources I have found. Fritz Velke was the band director at Herndon in 1963, our year in 7th grade. You may not be able to imagine how small Herndon was at that time, but the intermediate school was co-located with the high school at that time on Locust Street. Two or three weeks into the school year during middle school band class, Mr. Velke instructed about 6 of us to go into the uniform room and try to find a uniform that fit (or almost). We thought it was really cool that he allowed us to try on the high school uniforms, never expecting what happened next. As we assembled for his inspection, he said " ok, be here at 6:00 pm, you are now in the high school band and are going to Winchester tonight for the football game". We were all shocked, but our addition to the band brought the total members up to about 45. Mr. Velke left Herndon in June of 1964 but remained in the Fairfax County school system. I don't remember where he went, but in 1966 or 67, I was in the all-regional band and Mr. Velke appeared as a guest conductor to direct one of his compositions, "Plaything for a Bunch of All Stars". That is the last I ever saw Mr. Velke, but I did learn he had passed a number of years ago. See https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fritz_Velke and https://www.lib.umd.edu/ostwald/winners/1956-1970/fritz-velke. The picture in the second article is exactly as I remember him. I have attached a picture from the 1964 Cherry Blossom Festival Parade, where we wore the old style uniforms. In the fall of 1964 James Marvin Swiney assumed leadership of the Herndon Hornet band. Mr. Swiney had recently been as assistant director at Florida State University and provided more direction in marching band, producing more complex halftime shows than previously performed. Mr, Swiney was a very religious man and cared about the student's character development as well as musical development. Many class periods were spent in lectures on values and morals and not on musical issues. In 1966 and 1967 Mr. Swiney took the Stage Band to Grundy, Virginia to play a benefit concert for the Mountain Mission School,an orphanage serving the Appalachian regions of Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee and West Virginia. Those trips were very enlightening for us to see the poverty of the area, to increase our gratitude for what we had and increase our awareness and appreciation for those less fortunate than we. In 1967 we participated in the Southeastern Band Festival in Bristol, Virginia, a big trip for us a we spent two nights in a hotel. The festival included a parade and a halftime show. There were about 75 bands in the event and we got a good rating, although I don't remember the specifics. I do remember watching 74 other halftime shows, it was a very long day! In early 1968, the band collectively decided that we wanted to win the National Cherry Blossom Festival and we practiced for 3 months or more for that goal. There were three parts of the competition, a symphonic portion, a halftime show and the feature parade on Saturday. We played the symphonic portion on Thursday, April 4, 1968 and had our picture taken on the Ellipse, in front of the White House. Unbeknownst to us at the same time we were competing, Martin Luther King was being assassinated in Memphis. Riots followed and the remainder of the festival was cancelled. We were told that although we appeared to be the best band in the competition, they awarded the trophy to the band that travelled the greatest distance, only to have their time in D.C. cut short. I have attached a copy of that picture with Mr. Swiney at the right. I have previously sent this copy to the school. In June of 1968 Mr. Swiney resigned from HHS to take a senior position at the Mountain Mission School in Grundy, eventually becoming President of the school. His wife's grandfather had started the school and the Swineys felt called to serve God by helping others through that organization. He is now retired and at 84 is living in Abington, Virginia. I was in the band under Mr. Willis for one year, but I do not know any information about him or where he went after he left Herndon. I do believe he had worked at the University of Alabama for sometime before his tenure at HHS. Victor Bernhards who was a band director in the Fairfax County School system was our classmate and he may have more information on Mr. Willis. Please let me know if I can help you in any manner and thank you for your support of the D Day observance. Luther H. Nossett Class of 1969