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Ensembles for the Herndon High School Band Ensembles Select Ensemble Marching Band The Pride of Herndon Marching Band was founded in 1947 and is the oldest band in Fairfax County. The Pride performs at all home Varsity Football games, hosts a competition each September, performs at the Virginia State Assessment, and competes up and down the East coast throughout the fall. READ MORE Color Guard The HHS Color Guard is part of the HHS Marching Band. Color guards or flag corps are teams of performers who perform choreographed dances and routines with various equipment to enhance and interpret the music of a marching band or drum and bugle corps show. READ MORE 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. READ MORE Jazz Band The Jazz Band is an ensemble designed to promote the study of jazz literature, emphasizing improvisation and styles of the jazz idiom. Students meet after school starting in November and receive a half credit for course participation. READ MORE 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. READ MORE Symphonic Band The Herndon High School Symphonic Band generally performs between Grade III-V literature READ MORE Symphonic Winds The Herndon High School Symphonic Winds is our newest ensemble, open by audition only and performing VBODA Grade IV-VI literature. READ MORE Wind Ensemble The Herndon High School Wind Ensemble is composed of the most advanced student-musicians and is open by audition only. It includes members from all four classes at Herndon High, meeting for one period daily and usually one evening per week during the concert season. READ MORE

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 Camp 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

Terms and Conditions to be a volunteer on the HHSBPA VOLUNTEER AGREEMENT Complete the following form and sign at the bottom to indicate your acceptance of the Terms and Conditions set for volunteers of the HHSBPA First name* Last name* Volunteer Position* Please read the Terms and Conditions document I have read and understand the Terms and Conditions * I agree with everything in the Terms and Conditions document * Signature* Drawing mode selected. Drawing requires a mouse or touchpad. For keyboard accessibility, select Type or Upload. Submit

Sharon Bonneau | Herndon High School Band < Back Sharon Bonneau Woodwinds Tech, Marching Band In 1987, Ms. Bonneau graduated as class valedictorian from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, where she received her Bachelor of Music degree with a dual major in Clarinet Performance and Instrumental Music Education. While at Eastman, Ms. Bonneau studied clarinet with D. Stanley Hasty and Charles Neidich, and jazz improvisation with Ramon Ricker. In 1995, she completed a Master of Arts Degree in Conducting at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, where she was a student of Professor Anthony Maiello. Ms. Bonneau was a member of the United States Air Force Concert Band for nine years. During that time, she was a featured soloist with the band’s Dixieland group, was a guest conductor of the Concert Band, and performed with the Air Force Chamber Players and Symphony Orchestra. While with the USAF Band, Ms. Bonneau toured extensively throughout the United States and Europe and performed at numerous music conventions. She was appointed to the position of Adjunct Professor of Clarinet at George Mason University in 1995 and taught there until 2017. In August, 2015, Ms. Bonneau became the band director at Kilmer Middle School in Vienna, Virginia. Her responsibilities at Kilmer include directing the Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, Preparatory Band, and Percussion Ensemble. Prior to that, she was the director of bands at Herndon Middle School from 2001-2015, where she had served as the Performing Arts Department Chairperson since 2009. Currently Ms. Bonneau is active as an adjudicator and clinician. Previous Next

Band Camp Snack Coordinator Herndon High School Band < Back Previous Next Band Camp Snack Coordinator Shadow Needed Amber Gilson snacks@herndonband.org I'M INTERESTED Subcommittee Previous Next

PO Box 1293 Showcase Band Pre-Orders Bands Only, place your online orders now for pickup at the parking lot entrance of the concessions stand, near the grill. We will do our best to provide requested items, but will substitute with a similar item if the requested item is unavailable Accepting Orders Delivery fee - Min. order - $50.00 Free delivery above Pickup Delivery Dine-In Pickup time: May 23, 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM Change Pickup Address: PO Box 1293, Herndon, VA 20172-1293 Change Showcase Concessions Available all day during Showcase of Bands starting at 10AM. Schedule Pickup Time Hot Food This section is next available for ordering on September 20th at 9:00AM. Schedule Pickup Time Snacks This section is next available for ordering on September 20th at 9:00AM. Schedule Pickup Time Drinks This section is next available for ordering on September 20th at 9:00AM. Schedule Pickup Time Hot Food Snacks Drinks View Cart (0) Ready to order? Order Now

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

Marching Chair Herndon High School Band < Back Previous Next Marching Chair Shadow Needed Scott Gilson marching@herndonband.org I'M INTERESTED Board Member of BPA board, 12 meetings per year Equipment Transport: Support transportation of pit equipment, uniforms and other large instruments to marching band competitions and other performances as needed. Field Support: At all marching band performances (competitions and football games), provide on-field assistance to the pit to move instruments and drum major podiums on and off the field as directed by the pit captain or instructor Assist with Showcase (field support) Drumline support (optional) 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

Marching Uniforms Chair Herndon High School Band < Back Previous Next Marching Uniforms Chair Debora Jimenez & Rossana Sudario uniforms@herndonband.org I'M INTERESTED Board The Marching Uniform Chair maintains all uniforms for the Band Program. In addition, the Marching Uniform Chair is responsible for inventory of donated shoes and other items as needed. For the 2024-25 marching season, the Marching Uniform Chair is also responsible for Guard uniforms (both parade and show), including coordinating with vendors, cleaning, inventory, fitting etc, in coordination with the Guard Coach(es) and Band Director. This may not be the case in subsequent years, if so, these tasks will fall to the Guard Chair. There are two seasons to the Uniform Coordinator job: Marching and Concert seasons. Both require ordering new pieces, fitting students for uniforms and shoes, hemming, sorting, cleaning (both dry cleaning jackets and bibbers, and laundering long and short sleeved shirts), and inventory. This includes shoes and gloves, as needed. Volunteers are a key component of this job; however it is not necessary that all volunteers have sewing skills. If there are parents within the HHSBPA that are willing and have volunteered those skills, the Uniform Coordinator(s) is responsible for coordinating repairs, hemming or other sewing type adjustments with that individual. The Uniform Coordinator(s) also order ancillary items for the marchers and/or the uniforms as needed, such as coat hangers, bandages, hair ties, etc, pending approval from the HHSBPA. The Uniform Coordinator attends all monthly Board meetings. The Marching Uniform Chair is also responsible for ordering band show shirts for the marching season, in conjunction with the Band Director, HHSBPA Treasurer, and Reston Shirts. Show shirts are provided for the marchers, the Band Director, and staff and custodial staff, as well as others at the Band Director’s discretion. 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

Leave a note for Herndon's beloved outgoing Band Director Kathleen Jacoby is moving on to a new opportunity after 17 storied years as Herndon High School's Band Director. Kathleen has implemented a world class band program and touched the lives of countless peers, staff, and students. Leave Mrs. Jacoby a message below to wish her good luck and let her know how much she has meant to you Messages will be printed in the Tag Day program unless marked Private We are no longer collecting Messages for Kathleen We are no longer collecting Messages for Kathleen We are no longer collecting Messages for Kathleen We are no longer collecting Messages for Kathleen

Kelly Spann | Herndon High School Band < Back Kelly Spann Color Guard Ms Spann has been involved with color guard for 8 years and it has always been a dream of hers to teach. She is a graduate of Morris Hills High School (USSBA 1 Open Champions, 1999, USSBA 2 Open Champions, 2000, MAIN Scholastic AA Champions, 1999) in Rockaway, NJ and Bloomsburg University in Bloomsburg, PA. In 2010, Miss Spann was the assistant color guard instructor at Battlefield High School. She currently works outside the education field at an international association as a meeting planner. Previous Next