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.

The Wind Ensemble’s achievements over the past several decades have been most noteworthy. Beginning in 1978 with a Grand Championship in Florida, the band has continued to excel on the competitive stage, have won over 38 First Place or Grand Championship awards.  Among its highlights are twice retiring the Governor’s Cup at the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival (a six year participation involving more than 200 concert bands from every state in the nation), many Gold Medal awards, and outstanding memories of superb music performances.

In 1991, the Herndon Wind Ensemble was the only band selected for the Sudler Flag of Honor.  This award, endowed by Louis and Virginia Sudler and sponsored by the John Philip Sousa Foundation, was established as a means of honoring the nation’s finest high school concert band programs.  Through a rigorous selection process involving a seven year commitment, only 36 high school bands have been selected since its inception.

The Wind Ensemble consistently achieves “Virginia Honor Band” recognition and receives superior ratings at all-district band festivals.  They have been officially recognized by the Commonwealth of Virginia, Fairfax County, and the Town of Herndon for their music excellence