HBO Combo
HISTORY:
Howard Bloemker (b.1932- d.April 5, 2018)
The initials for the band, HBO, are a credit to the Howard Bloemker Orchestra.
The band was founded in 1947 by Howard Bloemker in Cincinnati, OH. His first dance 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.
TYPES OF EVENTS PLAYED:
Over the years, the band has played for groups such as the Knights of Columbus, various chapters of the VFW, bowling groups, political parties, and even a hardward store opening.
In addition to dances, concerts, and many wedding receptions and anniversary parties, the HBO members are generous with the time and talents.
For over 30 years the band played for a Christmas Dance at Rost School, Hamilton Co. in conjuction with the Western Hills Kiwanis. Rost School provides services for persons with disabilities years.
After 64 years with the HBO, HOWARD ANNOUNCED HIS RETIREMENT on October 15, 2013. Howard Bloemker was survived by his wife, a son, and a daughter.
John Pohlman, sax/Clarinet, was a power house player and arranger who played with Howard from the early 1960s until his death.
In addition to covering parts where arrangements called for alto and tenor saxophone and clarinet, he arranged over 30 pieces for the band, helping to keep the repertoire up to date and continually growing.
John's career as a musician and professor at Xavier University was cut tragically short from complications related to heavy smoking.
Don Huff, drums, started playing drums with Howard after his service in the Navy during WWII. He met his future wife, Doris, shortly thereafter.
Always a bit of a jokester, he liked to add a little variety to pieces from time to time with door buzzers, sleigh bells, crowd noise sound effects, and such.
Don and Howard traveled to jobs in a van loaded with drums, music, stands, and sound equipment. For thousands of jobs they loaded, unloaded, loaded, and unloaded all the items for each job.
He had to quit playing when back pain became too great in 1976.
Walter Griesinger, keyboard, started playing with Howard in 1966 and retired from the band in January, 2023 after 57 years with HBO Band.
Walt lead the band from 2013 to 2023, reluctantly retiring due to health issues.
Pat Emmett took up drums at an early age, following his father's example. He took over from Don Huff in 1976 before he had a driver's license.
Pat played with the group until 2000, when he decided to devote additional time to work, family, and other obligations.
Bob Coil, trombone, has been a member of the combo since 1968 and currently shares organizing responsibilities with Deb McDonough, piano.
Chuck Riehle, drums, Tom Kennedy, trumpet, and Jim Gallagher, clarinet/saxophone, are the current members.
Other musicians who have been regular members sharing their musical talents were, Al Schmidt-trumpet, Pat Emmett-drums, Jack Wagner-sax/Cl, Bill Tipkemper-trumpet, Tom Miller-sax/Cl.
L-R back: Chuck Riehle, Walt Greisinger, Bob Coil - 2021
front: Tim Kennedy, Tom Miller
Bill Tipkemper and Bob Coil at Seasons Christmas concert 2018
L-R Bob Coil, Bill Tipkemper, Jack Wagner
Walt Griesinger on Keyboard, Doris Huff dancing with Don Huff, former drummer at Wedding Anniversary, 2018
Playing for the Rost School Christmas party, hosted by Western Hills Kiwanis, 2000
Jack Emmett,sax - Howard Bloemker,trumpet - Bob Coil,trombone - Pat Emmett,drums - Walt Griesinger,keyboard(out of picture)
Al Schmidt became the trumpet player for the group in 2013 when Howard retired from playing. For the next 3 years, Al not only played but also arranged several pieces for the combo.
His playing career was cut short by a condition known as focal dystonia which affected his playing.
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