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, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, and Indoor Drumline, under the direction of Mrs Kathleen Jacoby.

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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: 
- 2018, 2017, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2010, 2009, 1987,1985

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Recognition

The Herndon High School Bands have won the following awards:​

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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​

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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