Jessica Herndon graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor's degree in Music Education (percussion) and Music Performance (piano). While a student at UGA, Jessica studied with Dr. Thomas McCutchen, Dr. Ryan Smith, and Dr. Evgeny Rivkin. As a pianist, Jessica has remained an active collaborative artist. She has performed with the salsa group "One Ton Tomato," and has collaborated with many churches, high school, middle school, and elementary school programs. While at UGA, she was involved in multiple performing ensembles, including the UGA Percussion Ensemble, "Tropical Breeze" Steel Drum Band, UGA Salsa Band, and UGA Wind Ensemble. In the summer of 2010, she had the opportunity to travel to Argentina on tour with UGA's Wind Ensemble. Jessica performed as a member of the Cobb Wind Symphony, which performed as a guest ensemble at the GMEA Music Educator's Conference (2011) and the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Conference (2011).
Jessica is currently the Assistant Band Director at Northwestern Middle School and maintains a private studio of percussionists and pianists. Under her direction, Jessica’s students have received superior ratings at Solo & Ensemble and Large Group Performance Evaluation. Her private students have consistently auditioned into District Honor Band,and she has had students in the Georgia All--State Band. She also works with Milton High School’s Front Ensemble during the fall marching band and winter indoor drumline seasons.
Jessica is a member of Music Educator's National Conference, Music Teacher's National Association, Georgia Music Teacher's Association, and Percussive Arts Society.
Mrs. Herndon lives in Alpharetta with her husband, John (Milton High School) and two kittens, Canon and Fugue.