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Herndon Band activities including practices, meetings, camps, etc. activities calendar The calendar below shows all upcoming internal Band activities. Use the Subscribe button on the right to add this calendar to your desktop or phone Subscribe You are seconds away from getting this done. 🤩 
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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 2026 Band Camp Schedule Webmaster May 14 0 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 58 days to the event Home Football Game Fri, Aug 28 Herndon High School Stadium More info Details 59 days to the event Tag Day Sat, Aug 29 Herndon Host Locations More info Details 64 days to the event Home Football Game Thu, Sep 03 Herndon High School Stadium More info Details Load More Our Sponsors SPONSOR US Griffin Owens Insurance Wind Ensemble The Closet of Greater Herndon Concert Spencers Safe & Lock Wind Ensemble Sunset Hills Automotive Wind Ensemble C2 Education Wind Ensemble Sponsorship Show your support for music education and contribute to the Herndon High School Bands today! Support Us Donate

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 Board & Volunteer Service Agreement First name* Last name* Volunteer Position* Please read the Board & Volunteer Service Agreement I have read and understand the Board & Volunteer Service Agreement * I agree with everything in the Board & Volunteer Service Agreement * Signature* Drawing mode selected. Drawing requires a mouse or touchpad. For keyboard accessibility, select Type or Upload. Submit

Frequently Asked Questions about the Herndon Band and the Herndon Band Parents Association. Frequently Asked Questions All Student & Parent Participation Governance & Policies General Information Financial Questions New Parent/Guardian Questions Band Camp Fundraising Contact Information All Q: What is the name of the band? The Pride of Herndon (POH) Q: What is the Band Parents Association (HHSBPA)? The HHSBPA is a volunteer-led 501(c)(3) organization that supports the high school band program through fundraising, volunteer coordination, logistics, hospitality, communications and student musical education support. Q: What programs do the HHSBPA support? The HHSBPA typically supports Marching Band, Concert Band, Jazz Band, Color Guard, Drum Line/Percussion, Band Camp, competitions and travel events. Q: Who can join the HHSBPA? Membership is open to all parents/guardians of current band students, alumni, community supporters and volunteers interested in supporting the band program. Only parents/guardians of current students can be elected to the HHSBPA Board of Directors. Q: Is the HHSBPA separate from the school? Yes. The HHSBPA operates as an independent nonprofit organization that works in partnership with the school’s band directors and administration. Q: What bands are at HHS? The HHS band program consists of the following ensembles: Marching Band Color Guard Indoor Drumline Jazz Band Percussion Ensemble Symphonic Band Symphonic Winds Wind Ensemble You can read more about each ensemble here . Q: What are the Band Seasons? The school year is comprised of several key seasons: Band Camp - Late July to Mid August Marching Season - August to Marching State Assessments in October Winter Guard - Feb - April Indoor Drumline - Feb - April Concert Season - Throughout the year Q: What is Band Camp? Band camp is an intensive, multi-week training program where the marching band and color guard prepare for the upcoming season. It usually takes place in mid-to-late summer (July into August) before the school year begins. The current band camp schedule can be found here: https://www.herndonband.org/activities-calendar Q: Who attends Band Camp? All marching band members including color guard participants attend Band Camp. Q: Is the color guard considered part of the marching band? Yes. Color Guard is an important part of the marching band. When you see references to marching band or “marchers” on schedules, that includes the Color Guard. Q: Is transportation provided to Band Camp? No. There is no transportation provided, Marchers will need to arrange their own transportation. Q: What is needed on Day 1? Submit the following completed forms by Day 1 of Band Camp. Forms can be submitted on paper to the band director, Mr. Fisher or via email to bjfisher@fcps.edu : Emergency Care Form (required for camp) Medical Authorization Forms (As Needed) FCPS Medication Authorization FCPS Inhaler Authorization FCPS Epinephrine Authorization POH Shoes Payment Invoice (First year marchers, veterans who need new shoes, and all Color Guard). Please let the Band Director know if there is a hardship and we will find a way to provide shoes for the year. There are 3 options for purchasing shoes: Check made payable to the “HHSBPA” Cash in envelope with student name A link to online orders will appear in June on the website at https://www.herndonband.org/category/all-products Q: What do students need to bring to Band Camp? Lunch Any personally necessary medications Filled water bottle, clearly labeled Wear socks/sneakers (no Vans or Converse!) and comfortable, athletic clothing Sunblock/sunglasses/bug repellant Hat or head protection Instrument with mouthpiece, extra reeds, valve oil, etc Front Ensemble: band aids or medical tape Earplugs (essential for percussion) Q: What refreshments are provided at Band Camp? Snacks are provided at 10am. Typically snacks include granola bars, fruit, Gatorade, popsicles and other handheld snack options. Q: What if FCPS cancels outdoor activities? We will still have band camp even if “All FCPS Outdoor Activities are canceled”. We will move inside to be safe, but please remember we will still practice. Q: Does my student need to participate in fundraising? There are two (2) mandatory fundraising events, Tag Day and Showcase of Bands, requiring participation from all band members. Additional fundraising participation is highly encouraged because it helps offset costs for uniforms, equipment, transportation, instruction, competition fees, hospitality and scholarships. Q: How do parents/guardians volunteer? Volunteer opportunities are shared through our website, email,HHSBPA meetings, social media and the Band app. Q: What volunteer opportunities are available? Common volunteer roles include chaperones, pit crew/equipment transport, concessions, hospitality suite support, Tag Day drivers/hosts, Showcase staffing, photography, videography and sponsorship outreach. https://www.herndonband.org/volunteer-opportunities Q: What does the HHSBPA fund? Funds raised by the HHSBPA commonly support music instruction enhancements, transportation, uniforms, instruments, equipment, props. meals/hospitality, scholarships, band camp supplies and music license purchases. The HHSBPA helps lower marching fees for all students. Q: Are donations tax deductible? Yes. Donations made to a registered 501(c)(3) organization are generally tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Q: Does the HHSBPA accept corporate sponsorships? Yes. See the sponsorships page for more information. Q: What fundraising events does the HHSBPA organize? Examples include Tag Day, Showcase of Bands, spirit nights, merchandise sales, sponsorship opportunities, program ads, and online donations. Q: What is Tag Day? Tag Day is a mandatory student-led fundraising event where teams canvas neighborhoods to collect donations and distribute information about the band program. Q: What is Showcase of Bands? Showcase of Bands is a VMBC (Virginia Marching Band Cooperative) marching band competition hosted by Herndon High School featuring 30+ bands, thousands of attendees, judges, volunteers and all-day performances. This is the most complex HHSBPA fundraising event of the year, requiring over 150 volunteers to ensure this event is a success. Q: Who runs the HHSBPA? The HHSBPA is governed by an Executive Board including officers such as President, Vice President(s), Treasurer(s), Secretary and standing committee chairs. Q: How are officers elected? Officers are elected annually by voting HHSBPA members according to the organization bylaws. Q: Where can I find the HHSBPA bylaws? The bylaws are available on the band website. https://www.herndonband.org/hhsbpa Q: Where do I start? Ensure the Band Director has contact information for all parents/guardians in the home. Include this information in the registration form or email the Band Director, Mr. Fisher at bjfisher@fcps.edu . Stay connected by joining the parent email list, attending HHSBPA meetings, signing up to volunteer, reviewing the calendar, joining the Band app parent group and connecting with other band parents. Q: How much time commitment is expected? Families participate at many different levels. Parents/guardians should try to attend competitions and home football games. Any amount of support helps, whether occasional volunteering, committee leadership, sponsorship outreach, or donations. Q: Why is parent involvement so important? Band programs rely heavily on volunteers and community support to create successful experiences for students both on and off the field. Q: How do parents/guardians stay connected? Join the Band App parent/guardian group https://band.us/n/a1a2bb82fdxaV Follow us on Facebook & Instagram Attend scheduled social events Join the HHSBPA Volunteer Support Spirit Nights & events Sit together as a group at events Band parents attempt to sit together at events to foster a true “band family" experience. At home Football games, band parents sit in the home stands alongside the band. Q: How do I contact an HHSBPA board member? Contact information for HHSBPA board members is available on the HHSBPA page: https://www.herndonband.org/hhsbp Q: How do I contact the 2026 - 2027 Band Director? Brian Fisher - bjfisher@fcps.edu Q: How do I contact the 2026 - 2027 Color Guard Director? Dr. Antares Leask - arleask@fcps.edu

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

Carlee Craze | Herndon High School Band < Back Carlee Craze Alumni Ms. Craze is a 2015 alumni of Herndon Band, named captain for 2 years and traveling to Disney and Hawaii. She has continued working with the Herndon Band since graduating, including as an instructor on the Paris trip. After graduating, Ms. Craze performed with the East Carolina University Color Guard competing in both AIA and WGI circuits. She strives to make all students feel included and give them experiences to grow outside of a classroom environment. Ms. Craze currently works full time as an Interior Designer. Previous Next

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

Herndon High School hosts the Showcase of Bands with over 30 local high school marching bands SHOWCASE OF BANDS Thank you to our bands and band directors for a fantastic event. See you in September. The Herndon High School Band is proud to host the annual Showcase of Bands. This HHS tradition is your chance to see over 30 of the best regional marching bands perform and compete all in our backyard -- and it's the band's most attended fundraiser of the whole season. Enjoy a festive full day of music, marching, and more. Don't miss a special Pride of Herndon performance at midday. Don't miss our 27th Annual Showcase as we kick off the 2026 Marching Band competition season! Questions about the event? See our FAQs below. PROGRAM MENU SCHEDULE SCORES VMBC NOVA Regional Presented by Herndon High School Where : Herndon High School Stadium When : Saturday September 26, 2026 Time: 9:00am - 10:00pm ONLINE ORDERS "Good Luck.You're amazing!" - Mom & Dad Send an over-the-loudspeaker shout out to your favorite marcher, director, or friend! You can now purchase Air Grams on our website. ORDER NOW over 30 bands 5,500+ attendees THANK YOU SHOWCASE DONORS Costco Sterling, VA Giant Food Town Center Plaza deli italiano Costco Sterling, VA 1/12 purchase showcase ads: BUSINESS ADS STUDENT ADS want to HELP WITH showcase? ALL VOLUNTEERS Volunteer positions for all Herndon High School band members, alumni, students, and family members HMS FAMILIES Volunteer positions for Herndon Middle School band students and family members DONATE FOOD Donate food and drinks to nourish our volunteers in the hospitality suite More questions about volunteering? Check out the descriptions here or Contact: volunteer@herndonband.org showcase faq: How can I volunteer? Start with the Sign Up Genius links above. Should you wish to volunteer for Showcase or for future events please contact volunteer@herndonband.org . Or, on the day of the Showcase, walk to the kiosk in front of Door 7 and speak with the volunteer coordinator. How long is the event? The Showcase of Bands event runs from 9am to 10:00pm. Volunteer shifts start from 7am and end at 11pm. What is the cost for attendees, and how do I purchase tickets? Please see the showcase event page for ticket information. Tickets are available for purchase on the website and at the stadium. When does the Herndon High School Band perform? This year Herndon High School Performs at 1:30pm. Program/schedule: https://www.herndonband.org/showcase-program Where do I park? All volunteers (adults) should park at the Dominion Christian School, previously Temple Baptist Church on Dranesville Road and walk through the gate near the tennis courts. Students may be dropped off at the entrance to the band room or at the front of the school. Where do volunteers check in? Please report to check in 15 MINUTES before your shift! Check in at the kiosk in front of Door 7. You will be given a name tag and directed to your station. What do I need to bring? Please bring a fully-charged cell phone, a flexible attitude, and a big smile. Can I cheer during the performance? Cheering is part of the whole experience; so, of course, you can cheer. The bands love to hear the crowd respond to the great music and precise drill execution. Remember, though, cheering at the wrong time is distracting and may unnerve some of the performers. So, give the performers all the positive feedback they deserve while on the field. What is the best way to enjoy the performances? Be an active audience member. If you see something you like during a performance, applaud or cheer. After the performance, if you see a band member, congratulate them on a great performance. And don’t forget to congratulate the band directors. They work especially hard in the marching competition season. Where are the bathrooms? The bathrooms are located by the concession stand just inside the entrance to the stadium. What do I wear? HHS band students and parent volunteers should wear their show shirts, HHS students should wear Herndon shirts, HMS and Elementary students should wear their band shirt or Herndon Pyramid shirts. Dress for the weather, including the unexpected and have comfortable shoes. Can I take pictures and video my band's performance? We welcome photographers and videographers from the stands or on the track. VMBC will not be allowing band representative in the press box. What do I do when I get to my volunteer station? Check-in with the area supervisor. Stay at your station until replacement arrives. Please notify the Volunteer Coordinator at Door 7 should you have to leave early. What do volunteers and bands do if it rains? HHSBPA follows the FCPS Inclement Weather Policy. Light rain will not hamper this event. In the event that there is heavy rain or lightning, each area will be instructed on where to report. We have reserved access to key areas of the school building so that everyone will have a safe place to go. In the event of inclement weather VMBC and Herndon Event Coordinator will contact directors with delay, standstill, indoor performance or cancellation scenarios. When is the event over? The estimated end time is after 10:00 p.m. Sections will be assigned for clean-up duties, and we kindly request everyone's assistance in this effort. Please ensure that volunteers contribute to clean up by removing any trash and litter, paying special attention to areas under the bleachers. If you have additional clean-up needs or questions, please check in at the Band Room or Command and Control for guidance. Clean-up operations encompass various tasks, including but not limited to: restore the fence that is removed for band entry return all tables used outside to the Cafeteria restore the concession stand and packing up unused materials dismantle and packing up the auxiliary concession stands restore the Choir Room ensure that the school grounds are litter free return school to operational condition before the last volunteer can go home Please remember while we strive for excellent organization and meticulous planning, we acknowledge that unforeseen changes and deviations from the schedule can occur. Nevertheless, drawing from our extensive experience, we are confident that the event will be smoothly executed and highly successful, and everyone will enjoy the occasion. Thank you for your commitment and dedication to this event and thank you to everyone for your help!

Donate to support the Pride of Herndon, Herndon Hgih School Marching Band DONATE DONATE The Herndon High School Band Parents Association (HHSBPA) is dedicated to building and sustaining an excellent band program. Our students are provided with enriching educational opportunities and an active calendar of performances that showcases their talents. We strive to make sure our program remains of the highest quality and are always looking for ways to improve. Your donations help us to cover the costs of uniforms, music, instrument maintenance, concert programs, invitational performances, and master instructors. We are incredibly grateful for your support and thank you for being a part of the HHSBPA family 501(c)(3) tax information: Herndon High School Band Parents Association, Herndon, VA Tax-exempt since Sept. 1993 EIN: 54-1629832 ways to support the band: PAYPAL Giving Fund Donate MAIL Make out your checks to HHSBPA PO Box 1293 Herndon, VA 20172-1293 email president@herndonband.org

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

Greens Coordinator Herndon High School Band < Back Previous Next Greens Coordinator Susan Rankin greens@herndonband.org I'M INTERESTED Subcommittee 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