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The JMU School of Music Music Education Area is proud to announce the 2024 JMU Virginia Music Educators Association Awards! We present this award to a JMU undergraduate or graduate music education alumnus or alumna who has taught for at least ten years and who exemplifies JMU's commitment to musicianship and pedagogy. The recipient demonstrates: Excellence in music teaching, including the development of comprehensive, innovative programs and curricula Service to and sustained leadership in the profession of music education Continuing relationship with and support of the music education program at JMU Kathleen Jacoby has taught high school band since graduating JMU in 2004, most recently at Herndon High School for the past 17 years. Kathleen was a 2023 Washington Post "Teacher of the Year" finalist and the 2022 Fairfax County Public Schools Outstanding Secondary Teacher of the Year. She has served as an elected member of the VBODA Executive Board since 2020. She is a Conn Selmer VIP and a member of Phi Beta Mu. In 2021, she was awarded the WBDI "Scroll of Excellence," and in 2019 the Stars Over Dulles "Leadership in Arts" Dulles Chamber of Commerce designation. In 2014, she received commendations from the Town of Herndon and Fairfax County School Board. In both 2010 and again in 2017, Mrs. Jacoby was recognized by the School Band and Orchestra Magazine as "50 Music Teachers to Watch." Under Kathleen's direction, Herndon represented the United States at the 75th Anniversary of D-Day in Normandy, France, has twice represented Virginia at the Pearl Harbor Memorial Day Parade in Honolulu, Hawai'i, and is the only band to ever perform at the Central Intelligence Agency headquarters. In 2014 and again in 2019, the United States House of Representatives issued a commendation to recognize the outstanding work of The Pride. The Pride performed in the NATO parade in 2018, the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Parade in 2017, the National Cherry Blossom Parade in 2016, Macy's Holiday Parade at Universal Studios in 106, and the Disney Electric Light Parade in April 2014. Mrs. Jacoby coordinates an extensive community network to secure funding for ALL students to participate in these once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. Credit: JMU Website

The band marched proudly down Elden and Lynn streets in downtown Herndon during Saturday's Homecoming Parade. The weather was brisk and the mood was electric for this year's theme "Out of this World". The Herndon community has long been a loyal supporter of the band through individual donations, business sponsorships, and food donations. The Tag Day Concert and the Homecoming Parade are two prime examples of how the band gives back to the community through music and creative performances by the most historic marching band in Fairfax County. Following the parade, the band switched gears to perform at halftime for the Hornet's Homecoming football game. Students, families, and 2 Alumni classes were treated to a 42- 14 victory and a final on field exhibition of "Where the Wild Things Are". Videos of the Homecoming Parade and the halftime show can be found on the Pride Cam page here .

-by Susan Worrell The Herndon High School Band is excited to invite the community to a special free concert as a gesture of gratitude for their recent Tag Day Fundraiser. This event will take place on October 30th at 7:00 PM in the Herndon High School Auditorium, located at 700 Bennett Street in Herndon. The concert is a heartfelt thank you to the community for its support. "We sincerely appreciate the public's donations," said band director Mrs.Jacoby. "Tag Day contributions are vital for funding our programs, music, uniforms, instrument maintenance, performances, and hiring instructors." The award-winning Herndon High School Band offers a comprehensive music program that includes Marching and Jazz Bands, Symphonic Band, Percussion Ensemble, Indoor Drumline, and Indoor Guard. Maintaining such an extensive program can be costly, but the band aims to make participation accessible to every student. The upcoming Tag Day Concert promises something for everyone in the audience. The Wind Ensemble will perform crowd pleasing selections, while the Marching Band will showcase a unique medley of nature-inspired songs, enhanced by percussion and electronic synthesizer sounds that evoke the outdoors. The color guard will portray woodland sprites, symbolically connecting with nature through their choreography. “Please join us for Tag Day Concert”, drum major Pedro Vidal Vasquez, said. One of the highlights is that the entire marching band lines up along the side and middle of the auditorium and plays from there! It's actually a very immersive experience - it’s like surround sound!” Mark your calendars and bring your friends and family for an evening of wonderful music and celebration of community spirit. See below for the program: 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

The Pride of Herndon scored perfect final ratings from all 5 judges on Saturday's VBODA Marching Band Assessment. The Charlottesville mountains served as a beautiful scenic backdrop to Herndon's show "Where the Wild Things Are". To see a video of the Assessment head over to the Pride Cam Herndon scored 1's in all categories : Music Performance x2 Judges Visual Performance Music Effect Visual Effect Check out the recap sheet below.

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.” 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 .

Director Kathleen Jacoby returns to her Alma Mater on Saturday, October 5th with her award winning band. The Pride of Herndon will perform at 8:10PM in contest class 5A. VOTE for Herndon as a Fan Favorite after the show! There will be no Pride Cam for this event, as private video is not permitted. All logistics and contest information can be found on our event page HERE

Herndon competed in the Colgan Classic at Colgan High School on September 21st. Their performance was fantastic, amassing a case-stuffing 7 trophies for the AAA class. 2nd Overall AAA Best Drum Major AAA 1st Place Auxiliary AAA 1st Place Visual AAA 1st Place (tie) Music AAA 2nd Place General Effect AAA 2nd Place Percussion Head over to the Pride Cam to watch a recording of the performance

Showcase is comprised of 35 bands throughout the day and over 5,000 people. To make Showcase possible we need lots of volunteers. Here are the links for Sign Up Genius volunteer positions: Volunteer positions for all Herndon High School band members, alumni, students, and family members Volunteer positions for Herndon Middle School band students and family members Not available to volunteer? Consider donating food for the volunteers or loaning us your cooler & canopies Donate food for the Hospitality Suite. This helps feed our volunteers Loan us your ice filled coolers and canopies to keep drinks cold and volunteers out of the sun Drop off items:  FRIDAY evening 9/27 between 6:00-7:00pm at HHS Door 7. You may pick up your item on Sunday morning at 10:00am.

Tickets are now available for the 27th annual Showcase of Bands on September 28th, hosted by Herndon High School. Skip the line and buy your tickets in advance.   Ticket Prices : General Admission : $12.00 Senior Citizen. : $10.00 Students age 6-12 : $ 6.00 * Kids 5 and under : Free * Students age 6-12 wearing a Herndon pyramid shirt get in free with a paying adult Advance purchases are non-refundable You can buy your tickets here: https://www.herndonband.org/events-1/showcase-of-bands

Watch 35 High School Bands perform in one of Virginia's largest Band Competitions on 28th September 2024 from 9 am to 9:30 pm at the Herndon High School football field. The Pride of Herndon performs at 1:15 pm. Catch a glimpse of their last year's performance here . Tickets and more details can be found in the Showcase section .

The Herndon High School Band completed its most exciting and crucial fundraising event of the year, Tag Day was September 7th. This annual event is not only a significant fundraiser but also a cherished community tradition that strengthens the bond between the band and local residents. Known affectionately as “The Pride of Herndon”, the award-winning Herndon High School Band offers a comprehensive music program including Marching and Jazz Bands, Symphonic Band, Percussion Ensemble, Indoor Drumline, and Indoor Guard. The program offers a diverse array of experiences Pride of Herndon musicians eagerly participated in Tag Day last year including musical concerts, competitions, parades, and demonstrations. However, sustaining such a comprehensive program comes with significant costs. “While the county provides some funding, it only covers about a third of what we need,” explains Band Director, Kathleen Jacoby. “The rest comes from dedicated fundraising efforts like Tag Day.” Each contribution helps cover essential aspects of the band program, from show design and expert coaching to uniforms, competition fees, and transportation. Donations from fundraising events like Tag Day provide about $700 per student, significantly reducing individual fees so more students can participate. “We want every student to have the chance to be part of something incredible,” says Ms Jacoby. “Your support makes that possible.” Musicians showing their spirit- rain or shine Tag Day is not only about raising funds but also about building team spirit and fostering a sense of community. “This event is a highlight of the year for us,” notes Ms Jacoby. “It’s as much about coming together as a team as it is about raising money. It brings us closer and gets everyone excited for the year ahead.” To express their gratitude for your support, there is a free concert on October 30th at 7:00 PM in the Herndon High School Auditorium. “It’s a great opportunity for our community to see the fruits of their support,” says Ms Jacoby. “We’re excited to share our music with everyone.” If you will be away on September 7th, you can still donate online, since students will be leaving a tag on your doorknob. Information can also be found at www.herndonband.org . Herndon musicians are looking forward to meeting you on September 7th and celebrating with you on October 30th. “Together, let’s make this Tag Day a memorable success and ensure our students have an incredible year ahead!” said Ms Jacoby. -Susan Worrell 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 the 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 .

Tag Day is our largest fundraiser and is coming up on Sept 7. See the Event information here