Even though I left Colorado Springs in 2016,  I have good memories
of Bill and his leadership of our New Horizons Band of  Northern 
Colorado Springs.  My husband suggested that we both join.   We started in 
Ed Nuccio's band and I decided to go to Bill's band after a few years.
Bill was a good conductor and a caring person.  He had directed 
my children at Holmes Jr. High.    They both wound up joining
the band in high school and were well prepared.
I wound up joining the New Horizons band .   I had never played
a band insrument nor had my husband.  I chose the baritone
whch I still own and play in Northern Colorado.   Glenn Shull
is also a fine director and it is a good outlet for me.  
I was sad to hear about Bill's passing.  He was a talented musician.
The kids in hid youth band  seemed to really like him and
did well.   Sincerely,  joanne katnik

I was so sorry to hear of Mr. Callen's passing. I was honored to be one of his band students from 1980-1982. His passion for music was so very evident in his teaching. I learned so much in his class. I hope his family can find comfort in the fact that he touched so many lives in all of his years of teaching. I'm thinking of you and wishing you peace. 

Mr. Callen was a great teacher and I loved his passion for music.  I was 1st chair sax player all through junior high and it will always be one of my proudest moments and I owe it to 
Mr. Callen . He made me believe in myself and have the courage to play an instrument that I still love today.    Truly one of the best times in my life!  

Thought and prayers to the Callen family. 

Mr. Callen was my band teacher at Holmes Middle School in the mid-1990s.  I will never forget him for his intensity, high standards and providing me with incredible opportunities as a teenager to hone my percussion skills and get exposure as a musician in general through performances and festivals.  He paved the way for my future as a musician and music teacher, and I am honored to have known him and been guided by him during three of my most formative years!

Carolyn, Kendra, and Karen,
  We were so sorry to hear of Bill's passing.  We have fond memories of Bill and we are thankful for all he did for his family and friends.  You are in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time.  Carol and Tony Campos

Carolyn, Karen and Kendra;

I am sorry for you loss.  I am also sorry that I didn't get to chat with you before I left Bill's service.

It was a shock for all of us.  Bill was a wonderful person and we will all miss him very much.

My high school band was one of the best in the state of Louisiana but I learned more about music and music theory from Bill than I did from my high school director and the various private lessons I had when I was young.  

My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.

Al Selph



So sorry for your loss Carolyn, Karen, and Kendra. Praying for strength and comfort during this time. I remember as a kid taking piano lessons from Mr. and Mrs. Callen.  And then of course the years babysitting for Kendra and Karen. We had a great time. 

Mr. Callen was an amazing band instructor for our 12 year old son, Dalton.  Although our family only knew him for a few months, we will always remember his kindness and love for music. He will be sadly missed. It was a privilege to have known him.

Bill was a classmate at Clinton Senior High 1958 - 1962 and he sang at our wedding in 1964. We lived in Colorado for 25 years within 100 miles of Bill's home and yet never knew he was there. Bill was a good man and was a gentleman even as a teenager.

My husband, Dick, and myself joined Bill's New Horizon band in 2002.   We heard about the band from Ed Nuccio with whom we used to square dance.   Dick always wanted to try
percussion and I didn't know what I wanted to try.   Ed suggested I try the euphonium and I wound up learning how to play it at the age of 61 yrs.  I enjoyed being in Bill's band--he was a good instructor ---I should have known that because he was very helpful to my children in the junior high band when they started out.    
I found him to be a caring person, interested in my progress.  I have been playing the baritone 
for 19 yrs.  both in Bill's band and in the New Horizon Band of Northern Colorado of Ft. Collins where I now live. (since 2016)    I think of Bill often and was so sad to hear of his
passing.  My condolences to his wife and daughters.   joanne katnik

I am very sorry to hear of Bill's passing and extend my deepest condolences to his wife and family.  I met Bill when he came to the Village At Skyline to talk about a band he was forming aimed especially at people over the age of 55.  What a great idea for older folks to stay interested in life!  I joined the band and had many wonderful times and enjoyed all the concerts that Bill put together so thoughtfully.  He made sure every one of his students shone in those concerts.  I also enjoyed the concerts he put on with his home school bands.  He will be missed by all who were privileged to know him and work under his skilled music direction.  God Speed Bill.

My children played in Mr. Callen's bands-I even got to play-a new instrument for me-baritone! The 2 years we spent there were invaluable to the musical journey both the children & I started there. I appreciate very much that Mr. Callen brought large instrumental ensembles to the homeschool community. Very much a treasure worth remembering.

First, let me say how sorry I am to hear of Bill's passing. I truly loved him and I felt he truly loved me. He would reach out to me to play in the bands not only because he needed the part, but he knew it would be good for me! He loved everyone in the band. He worked tirelessly to improve the lives of others - especially through music. I appreciated how he would not give up on the music; and, by not giving up, he pushed the band members to reach higher. That is one of the many things he passed on to me. 
My world will be less one friend and true gentleman! 

Carolyn and girls and family. So sorry to hear about Bill. We have our memories. Love and prayers to you all.

OBITUARY

William (Bill) Callen

March 26, 1944 – April 12, 2021

Mountain View Funeral & Cremation

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