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Zoey Birman | Herndon High School Band < Back Zoey Birman Marching Band Coming Soon Previous Next

Chris Cunningham | Herndon High School Band < Back Chris Cunningham Jazz Band, Brass Tech Mr. Cunningham is a full time music teacher at Herndon High School. He began working with The Pride while teaching at several feeder elementary schools, and soon became a full time band director at Herndon HS. He created the guitar program here at Herndon, and now teaches five classes of guitar full time. His ensembles have earned consistent “superior” ratings and first place rankings in all competitions Previous Next

Volunteer Positions for the Herndon High School Band volunteer opportunities The Herndon High School BPA provides lots of different ways to get involved with the students' musical education. Below is a list of the Board positions with descriptions. If you are interested in filling a vacancy or shadowing for a future position, please contact the Board President at president@herndonband.org . WANT TO VOLUNTEER? IMMEDIATE VOLUNTEER REQUESTS 2026-27 board positions President Kathy Blouch Shadow Needed Principal executive officer of the HHSBPA DETAILS Assistant Treasurer Mark Hoffman Assists the Treasurer, and assumes all duties designated to the Treasurer by these bylaws in the absence of the Treasurer DETAILS Chaperone Chair Mei Acuna Coordinates chaperone volunteers for all marching band trips and events DETAILS Guard Chair Cheryl Cooper Provides general coordination, assistance, and advocacy for Guard Activities DETAILS Volunteer Chair Christine Cuadro Shadow Needed Works with the Director, various Chairs, and Board positions to meet volunteer requests for all events DETAILS Vice President Dawn Dumon Leads all fundraising activities. Assists the President, and assumes all of their duties in the absence of the President DETAILS Secretary Cheryl Cooper Keep the records and minutes of all Board, Executive Committee, Annual and Special Meetings and is responsible for correspondence DETAILS Communications Chair Saima Hedrick Oversees all communications activities DETAILS Marching Uniforms Chair Chrissy Turgeon Maintains all uniforms for the Marching Band Program during Fall and Winter seasons DETAILS Trip Chair Ellen Green Organizes logistics (hotel, bus, activities, meals, itinerary) details for all marching band trips and the Spring trip DETAILS Treasurer Angela Gill Maintains the records of all HHSBPA financial activities DETAILS Marching Chair Scott Gilson Shadow Needed Supports transportation of pit equipment, uniforms and other large instruments DETAILS Hospitality /Snacks Chair Amber Gilson Shadow Needed Responsible for planning, coordinating and implementing food during events for the Band DETAILS Concert Uniforms Chair VACANT Maintains all uniforms for the Concert Band Program during Fall and Winter seasons DETAILS 2026-27 BAND SUPPORT positions Tag Day Coordinator Sabrina Donnelly Shadow Needed Recruits and coordinates across all Tag Day area leaders DETAILS First Aid VACANT Provides First Aid services during events and trips for all involved DETAILS Senior Class Representatives VACANT Coordinates and executes activities and purchases for band Seniors DETAILS Webmaster Ann Rauscher Maintains the online presence, content, and technical architecture DETAILS Band Camp Snack Coordinator Amber Gilson Shadow Needed Provides snacks and nourishment to students during Band Camp DETAILS ESOL Liaison VACANT DETAILS Financial Review Committee Saima Hedrick, Mark Hoffman Provides audit support capabiltiies DETAILS Band Gear Coordinator Dawn Dumon Manages online orders, inventory, band gear POS sales at events, and ordering new inventory DETAILS Videographer Chris Blouch, Brian Cooper Shadow Needed Responsible for videos at all events and helps maintain the library DETAILS Graphic Designer VACANT Shadow Needed Designs and develops graphics for programs, marketing, social, and web based content DETAILS Assistant Uniform Coordinator Rossana Sudario Assists the uniform coordinator DETAILS Showcase Coordinator Scott Gilson Coordinates multiple Showcase teams to drive the overall Showcase logistics and strategy DETAILS PTSA Liaison Kathy Blouch Shadow Needed Attends all monthly HHSBPA Board meetings and reports pertinent information from the PTSA meetings to the Board DETAILS Photographer VACANT Ensures there is a photographer at every event and program. Manages Flickr account DETAILS Writer/ Marketing/ Promotions VACANT PR - Writes and submits articles to local newspapers. Website, etc. Contacts and requests publications to cover events and send them articles/posts to be published. DETAILS IT Coordinator VACANT DETAILS

Showcase Coordinator Herndon High School Band < Back Previous Next Showcase Coordinator Scott Gilson showcase@herndonband.org I'M INTERESTED Subcommittee Coordinates multiple Showcase teams to drive the overall Showcase logistics and strategy Previous Next

Glossary of band terms for the Herndon High School Pride of Herndon Marching Band band glossary glossary Auxiliary The term originally used for the flag/rifle carriers who stood at the front of marching show. Evolved into modern Color Guard when dance and decorative flags were added. Now known as Guard or Color Guard; see Guard/Color Guard for more details. BOA Bands of America An organization that manages and oversees marching band competitions. For more information Battery Marching Band percussion section that carries drums and marches; is comprised of snare drums, bass drums, and quads (see Quads). Cadence The beat played by percussion during a parade to indicate the marching pace. Also played as the band marches off the field after a field show or rehearsal. Caption Awards Various awards a marching band can win at competitions, can include: Drum Major, Drumline, Auxiliary, Music, Marching, General Effect, Percussion Class Grand Champion, Pit Crew and Audience Spirit Awards, Overall Class Champion (based on highest points across all classes.) Points can total up to 100 for each adjudicated category. Clinicians Personnel hired to help out with various sections of the band, as in brass instructor or drumline instructor. Color Guard A group of students who add color and style to marching band performances with flags and other props. Formerly know as Auxiliary, the term originally used for the flag/rifle carriers who stood at the front of marching show that evolved into modern-day color guard when dance and decorative flags were added. Drill The steps and positions that make up the Marching Band show. (see Sets) Drill Book The notebook that holds each individual student’s drill for the Marching Band show. Drill Down A marching skills contest conducted along the lines of “Simon Says.” Contest is one of the highlights of the parent show at the end of band camp. Drum Major(s) Student conductor(s) who direct the marching band as it plays. Drumline The entire percussion section of the Marching Band; includes both the PIT and the Battery. Flags Flags/silks used by the Guard during a Marching Band show. Front Ensemble Formerly known as PIT. Marching Band percussion section that does not march but rather plays on the sidelines and are staged at the front of the band during marching competitions. It is comprised of instruments such as tympani, xylophones, gongs, etc. Gauntlets Wrist and lower-arm covering; part of Marching Band/Guard uniform. Indoor Drumline A competitive Percussion group that includes both the Battery and the Front Ensemble that compete after the Marching Band season is over Welcomes non-percussionists as well. Indoor Guard A competitive Guard group that competes after the Marching Band season is over. Welcomes those who weren't a part of Guard during the Marching Band season. For more information PIT Percussion Instrument Team Now known as Front Ensemble; see Front Ensemble for more information PIT Crew A group of parent volunteers who assist students that are in the Front Ensemble, formerly known as PIT, before and after the band preforms at a competition. Responsiblities include helping to get the instruments on and off the field within the allotted time frame, assisting students load and unload percussion instruments on and off the truck, and helping the Front Ensemble students assemble their instruments and set up for competition. Also known as "Pit Parents" Pep Band Small subset of the band that plays for the away football games. Plumes The feathered portion of the Marching Band hats (very fragile); provided by band. Podium Raised platform upon which conductors stand. Also known as Tower Quads Set of 4 connected drums carried by member of the battery. Also known as Teners or Tener Drums Red Box A locked box that hangs on the door next to Mrs. Jacoby’s office in the band hallway This box is used to send/turn in materials to the Band Parent’s Association. It is the location where most forms and items can be dropped for pick-up by the BPA Treasurer. NEVER PUT CASH IN THE RED BOX. All money that is deposited in the RED BOX should be in the form of a check. Generally, checks can be made payable to HHSBPA unless other instructions have been given. All materials deposited into the RED BOX should be inside a sealed envelope with the Band Member’s name clearly marked on the outside. It is recommended that a brief description of the contents also be marked on the outside of the envelope. Rifles Imitation wooden rifles the Guard use in a Marching Band or Winter Guard show. (They’re heavy!) Run-through Practicing the Marching Band show. Sabers Docorative swords that the Guard uses in a Marching Band show. Scoring See section in BOA Adjudicators Handbook, starting on page 24 for a description of scoring for BOA. Scoring rules are not universal across judging organizations, but this is a nice insight into the whole process from a judge’s point of view. Section A Marching Band instrument group; such as “alto sax section” or Color Guard Section Leader Band student who is in charge of a Marching Band instrument section; such as “alto sax section leader.” Sectional A practice or rehearsal by a section of instruments. Sets Sub-set of the shows. Solo and Ensemble Festival VBODA music competition for individuals and small music groups, for example “clarinet quartet” or “brass choir” held in the Spring. Step Off The precise moment when a Marching Band parade performance starts. Tag Day A fundraiser where students go door-to-door presenting tags with the band performance schedule printed on it to community members while soliciting donations to the band. Tenor Drums Set of 4 connected drums carried by member of the battery. Also known as Quads Tower Raised platform upon which conductors stand. Also known as Podium USSBA United States Scholastic Bands Association Oversees marching band competitions. For more information VBODA Virginia Bands and Orchestra Directors Association Governing body for the Solo and Ensemble Festival and state marching competitions. For more information VMBC Virginia Marching Band Cooperative Non Profit organization for Herndon Showcase of Bands VMBC is a non-profit marching band circuit founded, structured, administrated, implemented and monitored by the board of directors to educationally and artistically benefit Virginia bands Winds The non-percussion part of the band; any instrument that is played by blowing air.

Webmaster Herndon High School Band < Back Previous Next Webmaster Ann Rauscher webmaster@herndonband.org I'M INTERESTED Subcommittee Maintains and updates HHS Band online presence, hosting accounts, and email forwarding. Works with all members of the board to coordinate timely updates to the website content for band events and activities. Responsible for: Website design: Maintaining the website's design, keeping it up-to-date, and configuring new features Website performance: Monitoring website traffic, user behavior, and engagement, and generating reports to analyze and improve performance Website security: Implementing security measures and ensuring the website is secure Website functionality: Testing websites across different platforms, browsers, operating systems, and devices to ensure functionality and efficiency Search engine optimization (SEO): Reviewing SEO to enhance website visibility to include posting relevant information to social media User support: Interacting with users to address technical issues, answer queries, and provide assistance with website usage Content management: Updating website content regularly to keep it looking fresh, to include events, fundraising activities, sponsorships, in memoriam, volunteer names, Pride Route tracking, pictures, videos, blogs Website eCommerce: Maintaining and making available capabilities for purchases through the website Live Streaming: Live streaming program performances to the Pride Cam Training: Training Board and Committee members how to effectively make updates to support their volunteer duties Documentation: Creating and maintaining documentation for effective transition of Webmaster duties over time Seasonal Events: Updating annual events with latest information to include dates, times, descriptions, ticketing, and images R&D: Researches, develops, and implements new ideas to improve the efficiency of the HHSBPA Previous Next

Concert Uniforms Chair Herndon High School Band < Back Previous Next Concert Uniforms Chair VACANT concertuniforms@herndonband.org I'M INTERESTED Board The Uniform Coordinator(s) maintains all uniforms for the Band Program. There are two seasons to the Uniform Coordinator job: Marching and Concert seasons. Both require ordering new pieces, fitting students, hemming, sorting, cleaning, and inventory. Volunteers are a key component of this job; however it is not necessary that all volunteers have sewing skills. The Uniform Coordinator attends all monthly Board meetings. Clear communication with the Band Director, building staff, Volunteer Coordinator, Board of Directors, dry cleaner, uniform vendors, and parents is necessary. The Uniform Coordinator usually accompanies the Band on all trips, competitions, and the Spring Trip. Previous Next

Percussion Ensemble Ensemble in the Herndon High School Band < Back Percussion Ensemble Percussion Ensemble meets every other day to rehearse as both an independent small ensemble and as a supplement to the Symphonic Band percussion section. The Percussion Ensemble has competed and won first place awards and superior ratings in Myrtle Beach, GA, and Orlando, FL. Previous Next

Indoor Drumline Ensemble in the Herndon High School Band < Back Indoor Drumline The Herndon Indoor Drumline is our indoor competitive percussion unit. We practice twice weekly throughout the winter and early spring and we will perform at four weekend contests in February and March. We are aiming for a highly competitive battery and front ensemble to show off our skills at competitions and have some fun music to perform. Rehearsals start in January and run through the final competition in March. A full detailed schedule will be provided in December. Previous Next

Bradley M. Johnson | Herndon High School Band < Back Bradley M. Johnson Marching Techs, Marching Band Mr. Johnson has been a part of the Herndon band community since he completed his student teaching working with the Herndon concert bands in 2000. For the past eight years, Mr. Johnson has served as a band staff member for the Pride of Herndon marching band. He is currently an instrumental music teacher for Arlington Public Schools in Virginia, where he serves Abingdon, Ashlawn, and Barcroft Elementary Schools, and this year will be the conductor of the Arlington County Junior Honors Band and Orchestra (4-6). He is also a choir member and conductor of the orchestral ensemble for The Church of the Epiphany, Herndon. When possible, Mr. Johnson also takes advantage of opportunities to play the French horn as soloist or in ensembles. Previous Next

Overview of key information for the Marching Band season marching band overview rules and regulations: All rules and regulations set forth by the Fairfax County Public Schools Students Rights and Responsibilities Handbook apply to our preseason rehearsals: While attending, students must remain in the Music department unless accompanied by an adult or chaperone The auditorium and gym are off limits to all band students unless prior arrangements have been made through the director No student may leave campus for any reason without prior written consent SCHEDULES: Marching Band members will perform at every home football game and will be involved with approximately FIVE Saturday performances throughout the months of September and October. Once the new school year begins, the FULL marching band will practice after school on: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30pm –5:45pm Wednesdays from 6:15pm - 9:00pm (these evening rehearsals are our only opportunity during the week to rehearse on the main football field) Students should plan after school teacher meetings so they do not conflict with rehearsal times. If your teacher can only meet during rehearsal times, please see Mr. Fisher so he can help you coordinate A few important dates: Mon, July 20th - Guard Camp (tentative) Wed, July 29th - Percussion Camp Mon, August 3rd - Rookie Day (First Year Marchers, Color Guard, Drumline) Tuesday, August 4th - Everyone! A full calendar of all planned events will be provided for ease of scheduling. Schedules sometime change, so up to date information will also be available here on the website: Events calendar - events where the band performs or interacts with the community Activities calendar - activities where the band practices or members meet internally what to bring to camp: Day 1 - All Completed forms. You can find a list of required forms on the Forms page: Emergency Care Form Additional Medical Forms Bring your required medications each day Bring a bagged lunch daily. Students are not permitted to leave campus for lunch A large refillable water container with your name on it. Camelbacks or similar is preferable to keep hydrated throughout the day Comfortable running/walking shoes with socks to prevent blisters. Flip-flops and sandals are not permitted Bring your instrument with mouthpiece, extra reeds, valve oil, etc Sun block, sunglasses, bug repellant, hat Wear light, comfortable clothing. Check Spirit Days to coordinate clothes with band friends! Your payment form for Shoes (if applicable) Check made payable to the “HHSBPA” Cash in envelope with student name Online here on our website Attendance: Attendance at all marching band rehearsals is mandatory. Marching band is a group activity, and every participant plays a vital role. We cannot function successfully if members are missing from the rehearsed formations. If you have fall activity conflicts it's essential that you communicate with Mr. Fisher to discuss a scheduling compromise! Once you have arrived at school for July Band Camp, students may only leave before the end of the day for an absolute emergency for which they have obtained written permission from a parent or guardian and the Band Director. If communication is not made, the period of absence will be marked as “Unexcused” and may influence the student’s level of participation during the season Please try to schedule medical, dental, or other appointments at times that do not conflict with the rehearsal schedule. Our preparation time is very limited and very important

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