HISTORY:  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 in the United States Army Band.  After 64 years, HOWARD ANNOUNCED HIS RETIREMENT on October 15, 2013.

MUSICAL BACKGROUND of various members of the HBO:

graduate from College Conservatory of Music (CCM), University of Cincinnati; former Cincinnati Brass Band, U.S. Army Band member; Band Director (retired), Sycamore High School, Band Director (retired) Lakota Schools, founding director of the “Green Tones” Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, choral group

Select members of HBO also play in the following musical groups to name a few:  Blue Ash/Montgomery Symphony Orchestra (BAMSO), New Horizons Band, Jump ‘N Jive Show Band; , Pat Emmett Orchestra, Saffire Express, The Tommy and Hub Band, Curly & the Q-Balls, Polished Brass, Cincinnati Metropolitan Orchestra, Cecil Young Big Band, Mt. Auburn Brass fellowship, the Seton-Elder Performing Arts Series and St. Williams Church (Cincinnati/West Side) Music events, and pit orchestras for musicals.