Serving Colorado, Country, and the Classroom Through Music

Chief Warrant Officer Kelsie McCallum, Colorado Army National Guard

As a third-generation Army Soldier, service has always been woven into the fabric of my family’s story. But when it came time for me to carve my own path, I knew I wanted to serve my country in a way that still allowed me to stay rooted in my home state of Colorado while also pursuing my dream of earning a college degree and teaching music. The Colorado Army National Guard offered the best of both worlds and ultimately shaped the person and leader I am today.

I enlisted in the 101st Army Band after my freshman year of college, and the National Guard paid for my Bachelor of Music Education degree through the University of Northern Colorado. After college, I landed my dream job of teaching K-5 elementary music in Colorado Springs. In 2022, the National Guard also paid for my master’s degree in educational leadership, which helped me grow in both my civilian and military careers. The National Guard allows me to maintain a fulfilling civilian career while still serving my state and my country.

My sixteen years in the 101st Army Band have been a journey full of growth, challenge, and incredible opportunity. I joined as a classically trained French horn player, expecting to perform familiar repertoire. Instead, I found myself stepping into a wide range of musical styles. One of the most unexpected (and rewarding) turns came when I joined the traditional jazz band and learned to play jazz piano, something far outside my classical training, but now a favorite part of my musical life.

Over the years, I’ve had the honor of performing at major events like the Colorado gubernatorial inaugurations and even for the King of Jordan. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, I was part of a statewide effort to deliver vaccines to Colorado communities. This work reminded me of the Guard’s unique role in both national defense and local service.

One of the most meaningful parts of my service has been touring with the 101st Army Band across Colorado. We brought live music to small towns and rural communities that don’t always have regular access to concerts or cultural events. Through these performances, we’ve had the chance to honor veterans, connect with local audiences, and create shared experiences that transcend background, politics, or beliefs. In a time when the world feels increasingly divided, standing on stage and making music with and for people from all walks of life is a powerful reminder that, at our core, we’re all human beings who want to be seen, heard, and cared for. Music brings people together in a way few things can and being part of that connection has been an incredible privilege!

One of the most defining moments in my journey came in 2022, when I had the opportunity to become a Warrant Officer and take command of the unit. Going through the Warrant Officer Candidate School and commissioning process was the greatest challenge of my life. It pushed me to grow in every possible way as a leader, a musician, and a Soldier. Becoming the first female commander in the unit’s history has been the greatest honor of my career and is a responsibility I carry with pride and humility.

Serving in the 101st has made me a better musician, yes—but it’s also made me a better teacher, a better leader, and a more grounded person. I came in with a horn and a dream, and I’ve gained experiences and relationships that have changed my life forever. And through it all, I’ve been able to serve the state and country I love, while helping to carry forward a legacy of service that spans generations in my family.

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