Band Mission Statement
The mission of the New Holland Band is to preserve, maintain and advance its historical tradition of providing live performance of the highest quality band literature performed at a consistently professional level.
History
The original New Holland Band, consisting of fifes and
drums, was formed in 1829 as part of
 a regional militia unit. In 1856 the band
organized under the direction of the late Isaac Witwer as the Earl Infantry
Band, and was reorganized for Civil War field duty in 1864 as the 203rd
Regimental Band of the Pennsylvania Volunteers. In 1865, after returning home,
they were known as the New Holland Citizen’s Band and were sometimes referred to
as the New Holland Brass Band and the New Holland Cornet Band.
In the early 1900’s the band became affiliated with the
Patriotic Order Sons of America lo dge as the P.O.S. of A. Band. This group
disbanded in 1915 and was replaced by the Erisman Witmer Citizen’s Band which
disbanded in 1925 and was in turn replaced by the Boys Band organized by the
local Lions Club. The band was again reorganized during World War II as the
Victory Band of New Holland. A final reorganization as the New Holland Band
occurred in 1958, and that name has been retained to the present.
Prior to World War II the main function of the band was
ceremonial in nature, both for civilian and military affairs. During the Victory
Band Era however, the foundations f or the present concert band were laid. In the
years since it was first formed the New Holland Band has evolved from a military
parade and light concert band to the present symphonic band. Its work has also
changed, as old-time picnics, carnivals, and festivals have been replaced by
public concerts in parks, churches, and schools. In 1974 the band expanded the
scope of its activities further with a European tour centered around New
Holland’s sister city, Longvic, France. In addition to concerts in and around
Longvic, the band performed in Paris and Dijon and in La Chaux de Fonds,
Switzerland.
The membership includes professional and non-professional
musicians along with college and high school student musicians. Included also
are persons from all walks of life such as educators, bankers, accountants,
salespersons, executives, industrial workers, carpenters, clerks, nurses,
homemakers, managers, electricians, and exterminators. Most musicians,
especially the younger musicians, serve an apprenticeship of several seasons
before being considered for active membership status. Active membership is
conferred based on competence, need, and availability of opportunity.
The New Holland
Band has incorporated as a non-profit organization and received its
 charter in
1959. It functions according to a constitution and by-laws which establishes a
board of directors to manage the affairs of the band. Tax-exempt status was
granted in 1977 due to the band’s educational and musical attributes. Some
performances by the band are made possible through grants from the Music
Performance Funds (MPF) of the recording industries and contributing co-sponsors
as arranged by Local 294, American Federation of Musicians, Lancaster. All other
performances are by contractual arrangement.
Additional Pictures:
| Oldest known
photograph of a new Holland Band member, JC Henninger, 1889 |
Built in 1868
and still standing on Main Street today, the Witwer building
hosted band rehearsals for decades |
The Boys Band
of New Holland |
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| Advertisement
in the Clarion newspaper, 1875 |
The Victory
Band of New Holland pictured in 1942 |
Performing on
the steps of the US Capital in 1975 |
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