Heartland of America Band begins 'New Traditions' for the holidays Published Dec. 2, 2013 55th Wing Public Affairs OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- The U.S. Air Force Heartland of America Band will end 2013 by offering annual holiday concerts titled "New Traditions" at several schools in the local community in the month of December. "This year's show is all about 'New Traditions,'" said Master Sgt. Gary Olson, U.S. Air Force HOAB holiday show producer. After the Air Force restructured its band program, the HOAB transitioned from a 46-piece band to a 16-piece band. "Our audiences will receive the same high level of performance that they have grown to expect from the Heartland of America Band," Olson said. One of their more important outreach missions, the annual holiday concert series in Omaha, had become a staple of the community after 26 years in existence. The holiday concerts for 2013 will be different from the past because they will be held at local schools rather than the Holland Center. "We'll be taking our performances to the towns in our local area," Olson said. "Based on the reception we have received so far, that is having a positive impact on our audience members." The band has scheduled a concert Dec. 8, 2 p.m. at Glenwood High School Performing Arts Center, Dec. 14, 7:30 p.m. at Bellevue East High School, Dec. 15, 2 p.m. at Gretna High School Auditorium and Dec. 20 and 21 at 7:30 p.m. at Papillion-La Vista South High School Auditorium. These concerts are free and open to the public. "We're thankful that Suburban Newspapers and their publisher, Shon Barenklau, agreed to sponsor our holiday concerts in Bellevue, Gretna and Papillion," said Doug Roe, U.S. Air Force Heartland of America Band director of operations. "[We're also thankful for] the Opinion-Tribune newspaper in Glenwood, Iowa and their editor, Joe Foreman, and the Glenwood Community School District for sponsoring our concert in Glenwood." As of Dec. 2, the band still has tickets available for the Dec. 14, 7:30 p.m. performance at Bellevue East High School, limited tickets available for the Dec. 8, 2 p.m. concert at Glenwood High School Performing Arts Center. The Dec. 15, 20 and 21 performances have already been sold out. Those interested in attending can find a ticket request coupon here. Simply mail the coupon with a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the USAF Heartland of America band, Attention: Tickets, 109 Washington Square, Ste. 111, Offutt AFB, NE 68113. For more information, call the U.S. AF HOAB at (402) 294-0621.