History of the Band
Organized in 1987, the Columbia VFW Band can trace its beginnings back into the 19th century. The band was originally known as the Long Level Band, which grew from the Long Level Cornet Band, which was organized in the late 1880’s. The Long Level community is located along the lower Susquehanna River in York county.
Through the years, the band has had numerous locations to call home. From a one room school house on the East Prospect Road, the American Legion Post, in an Ambulance hall in Wrightsville, to the East Prospect Community Hall in East Prospect, PA.
As the band was searching for a better location, Mr. Clyde Kraft, a prominent businessman, and Commander of the Red Rose Memorial VFW post #2435 of Columbia, offered the Post facilities to the band. The band moved into the Columbia facility in June of 1987. The director of the band at that time was George Bradshaw Jr., a Music Education major at Mansfield University. To keep the band active over the winter months while George was in school, the band acquired the services of Harry Miller of Washington Boro to serve as Assistant Band Director.
From 1993 to 1995 the band was under the direction of Mr. Richard Powell. Mr. Powell is currently retired from the Eastern School District where he taught music for over 30 years. Mr. Powell graduated from Lebanon Valley College, and completed graduate studies at Temple University. Prior to his teaching career, he played 4 years with the United States Navy Band, stationed in Washington D.C. Mr. Powell was also a playing member of the Columbia VFW Band as well as the former Long Level Band.
The band is currently under the direction of Mr. George Bradshaw.
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