Our History;
It all began in 2001, when Director William (Bill) Callen first founded the Pikes Peak Homeschool Bands, giving homeschool students the opportunity to play in a band of their peers. He quickly saw the need for the adults in the community that wanted to play in a band, and co-founded the Pikes Peak New Horizons Bands. Bill was passionate about teaching music to people of all ages and abilities.
More about Bill and current Director Raymond Bell; https://ppiom.org/our-director/
The Pikes Peak New Horizons Gold Band began in September 2002. It was originally created for people 40 years of age or older who wanted to continue playing their band instrument or wanted to relearn the instrument they played years ago in school. There were 43 founding members the first year, with the average age being 73. At one point the oldest member of the band was 97.
With the great success of the Gold Band, Bill started the Swingmasters Jazz Band in 2003 as an extension of the Pikes Peak New Horizons Band specifically for musicians who had an interest in playing the ‘Big Band’ jazz style of music. In addition to their two normal concerts; The Swingmasters Jazz Band have been invited to play many events at The Antlers Hotel, the Colorado Springs Shrine Club, The Hancock Senior Center, Pioneer Museum and other community events.
Between 2020-2021, the bands had to pause on account of the Covid pandemic. Thankfully they were able to start back up in late 2021. Since then, the bands opened up to anyone of any age who wanted to play their instrument in a community band, truly embodying Bill’s vision of creating multi-generational bands.
After the unexpected passing of Bill Callen in April 2021 there was the question if the bands would continue. Fortunately for the bands, retired Jr. High and High School music teacher, Raymond Bell, took over to carry on Bill’s dream. After much work from Ray and the Pikes Peak Institute of Music (PPIOM) Board Members, the bands have continued and are going strong. It gives the Callen family great joy to see Bill’s legacy continuing on through the bands that he started more than 20 years ago. Bill fostered this band community often stating that everyone is welcome. He worked to create a friendly and welcoming place, no matter anyone’s playing abilities. He often provided scholarships for individuals who were struggling financially but still wanted to be a part of the bands. Although learning to play together as a band was important, socializing was a very integral part of each rehearsal time, creating strong bonds among the members. Through the years many close friendships developed because of people coming together to play a band instrument. What a community it is!
Both organizations; the Pikes Peak Homeschool Music, and the Pikes Peak New Horizons Gold and Swingmasters Bands (now known as the Pikes Peak Gold Band and Swingmasters Jazz Band) are flourishing in the Colorado Springs community. We invite you to come join the fun, whether dusting off that old instrument, or supporting us at any of our free concerts throughout the year!