The New Holland Band

About

The New Holland Band traces its history to 1829 when a group of musicians from town playing fifes and drums formed a band to provide music for the 51st Regiment of the Pennsylvania State Militia. This founding date establishes the New Holland Band as the second oldest community band in the nation.

The band was reorganized in 1856 and, in 1864, enlisted as a group with Isaac Witwer as their director and formed the basis of the regimental band for the 203rd Regiment of the Pennsylvania Volunteers and served in the American Civil War. Following the Civil War, the band went through numerous reorganizations and was known as the New Holland Band, the Patriotic Order Sons of America (P.O.S. of A.) Band, and the Citizens Band of New Holland.

When the United States entered World War II, it became evident that New Holland needed a band to perform at local events to keep the fire of patriotism burning. The band was reformed in early 1942 and the first performance of the Victory Band of New Holland was held on July 4, 1942, with Weaver Hagey as the director. Under Hagey’s direction, the Victory Band began to grow from a marching band into a concert ensemble.

In 1958, the Victory Band was reorganized as the present-day New Holland Band with Samuel 0. Zimmerman as the director. Under Zimmerman’s leadership, every band member was challenged to reach their full potential as the ensemble worked hard, striving for excellence. This ethic, along with a commitment to mentoring young musicians, is Zimmerman’s legacy. He set the band on a trajectory that has continued through the leadership of Marlin Houck and Dr. Kenneth Laudermilch, creating an impressive ensemble that has produced memorable performances enjoyed by audiences from the Philadelphia suburbs to Harrisburg and beyond.

The musicians of the New Holland Band include professional and amateur performers as well as college and high school instrumentalists, representing people from all walks of life. Newly appointed director Fred Hughes joined the band while a junior-high school student, playing tuba alongside his father and performing solos with the band. He is a product of the band’s dedication to mentoring young musicians and is now enjoying a professional career with extensive experience in the band, orchestra, and jazz world. He will continue the legacy of the band begun in 1829 and remains committed to serving New Holland and the region for years to come.

In the heart of Lancaster County, amidst the rich farmland of eastern Pennsylvania, the

melody of history and tradition resonates through New Holland. Since its inception in

1829, the New Holland Band, esteemed as the second oldest community band in the

nation, has been the soundtrack of our community. From its early days with fifes and

drums to accompany the 51st Regiment of Pennsylvania State Militia, through the Civil

War, and into the present day, the band has evolved, mirroring the spirit of each era.

Once a brass and percussion ensemble, today it harmonizes a diverse range of

instruments and talents under the baton of leaders like Samuel Zimmerman, Marlin

Houck, Dr. Kenneth Laudermilch, and now Fred Hughes. The band's history is a vibrant

tapestry of our community, with musicians from all walks of life including professionals,

amateurs, and even students.

Fred Hughes, who began his journey with the New Holland Band as a junior-high tuba

player, now leads with a vision that weaves the band's rich history with the fabric of

future possibilities. His deep commitment to mentorship and musical excellence,

nurtured from playing alongside his father to performing solos, now guides the band as

the newly appointed director.

Under his leadership, the band merges tradition with innovation, crafting music that

resonates from the Philadelphia suburbs to Harrisburg and beyond. It's a journey that

goes beyond playing notes—it's about forging connections with our roots while

embracing the future.

We invite you to be part of this evolving story, where every melody and rhythm

celebrates our past and anticipates what's next. Learn more about our legacy and join

us in shaping the next chapter on our website: www.newhollandband.org.