About
HISTORY:
The band was founded in 1947 by Howard Bloemker in Cincinnati, OH. First job was February 11, 1948 at a Delhi Junior High dance. The band has been playing continuously every year since it's founding with the exception of Howard's two years of military service playing trumpet in the United States Army Band. After 64 years with the HBO, HOWARD ANNOUNCED HIS RETIREMENT on October 15, 2013.
Howard Bloemker (b.1932- d.April 5, 2018)
Walter Griesinger, keys, retired January, 2023 after 57 years with HBO Band
MUSICAL BACKGROUND of various members of the HBO:
graduates from College Conservatory of Music (CCM), University of Cincinnati; graduate degree in music Morehead State University; Music professors at Mt. St. Joseph University, Band Director (retired), founding director of the “Green Tones” Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, choral group; etc.
Select members of HBO also play in the following musical groups to name a few: Cincinnati Metropolitan Orchestra, Squeeze Play; , Polished Brass, Mt. Auburn Brass fellowship, the Seton-Elder Performing Arts Series and St. Williams Church (Cincinnati/West Side) Music events, and pit orchestras for musicals incl. Broadway Across America.
TYPES OF EVENTS PLAYED:
In addition to dances and concerts for organizations, private events, wedding receptions, senior communities, etc., the HBO plays some charity events throughout the year... One such event is the Christmas Dance at Rost School, Hamilton Co. Disabilities Services which we played for ~40 years.
