A SHOWCASE OF TALENT

Group 6 winners Independence High School light up the Herndon Stadium

The Pride of Herndon wrapped up another successful Showcase of Bands on September

28th. Thirty-five high school marching bands from around the region participated in the

event, which lasted throughout the day. “It’s always wonderful for us to host the Showcase

of Bands”, Kathleen Jacoby, the Pride of Herndon Band Director, said. “It’s great to start the

marching band season on such an inclusive and exciting note.”

Pride of Herndon Drum Major, Pedro Vidal Vasquez

Showcase is one of the biggest marching band competitions in Virginia. “The event is a lot of fun,” Pedro Vidal Vasquez, the Pride of Herndon Drum Major, said. “It’s a community event, so we feel connected with other high school band programs”.

Each marching band competed with other bands of similar size and were judged on various musical and visual criteria. This year Independence High School from Ashburn eased out the competition to secure the win in the largest group, Group 6. “The day is a progression starting with smaller bands competing in the morning to much larger bands playing at 9:00pm,” Pedro added. It's really high energy.” As hosts, the Pride of Herndon band performed an exhibition of their 2024 theme “Where The Wild Things Are” in the middle of the day.

It is the 27th year that the Pride of Herndon has hosted this event, and bands come from far away to perform. Herndon student musicians also assist in an organizational capacity by volunteering at the various parking and hospitality stations. “It's very satisfying to help out,” Pedro said.

Established in 1947, award-winning Herndon High School Band is rightly known as “The Pride of Herndon” and celebrated its 75th Anniversary in 2023. It has grown from an original 40 musicians and 6 majorettes to 200 students strong. The band program includes Marching Band, Symphonic Band, Symphonic Winds, Wind Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Jazz Band, Indoor Drumline and Indoor Guard. The band has not only achieved myriad awards and honors and represented internationally - but instilled a love of music in countless students. Further information can be found at www.herndonband.org.