Quick Resume: Calista Anne Waddy started piano at a very young age. She continued her music studies by beginning the harp, organ, french horn, and guitar. By high school, she was playing 5 instruments proficiently. Full tuition scholarships were rewarded to her at both Interlochen and Florida State University, as well as many others that were not put to use. Calista Anne attended Florida State University, Interlochen Center for the Arts, and several other well know music festivals. At Florida State University, Calista Anne was principle harpist for five years, as she obtained her degree in Music Therapy with a principal in harp. Her post graduate work includes her completion of a Music Therapy internship, certifications in Gerontology and Babies Can’t Wait projects, and her Suzuki Piano Apprenticeship. She recieved her Performance Masters Degree from Mercer University.
As well as being a harp and piano teacher, Calista Anne has performed with the Detroit Symphony, The LaGrange Symphony Orchestra, Pensacola Symphony Orchestra, World Youth Symphony Orchestra, Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra, Yo Yo Ma, Canadian Brass, Itzhak Perlman, Edgar Myers, as well as many others. Calista Anne has performed for President Bush, President Carter, Vice President Quayle, Senator Johnny Isackson, Governor Jeb Bush, Governor Roy Barnes, Governor Joe Frank Harris, Governor Sonney Perdue Mayor Bill Campbell, Truett Cathy, as well as many noteable athletes, singers, statesmen, and diplomats. Toni Braxton even had Calista Anne as her wedding harpist! While in Florida, she was recognized as the Tallahassee Music Guild Scholarship recipient for the year of 1998 and received a full scholarship for her abilities in harp. She completed her Masters of Harp Performance with emphasis in Church Music in 2006. Calista Anne performs about 50 weddings a year as well as other parties, religious events, and concerts and was featured in the Southern Living Christmas book. The 2005 & 2007 GPA Augusta Masters hired Calista Anne to perform their opening night dinner. She has performed at such notable places as the Disney World, The Abby, The Georgia and Florida Capital Buildings, Atlanta Symphony Hall, The Ritz Carlton in Buckhead, Atlanta, and Lake Oconnee, the Academy of Medicine, the Hay House, as well as many restaurants, hotels, reception sites, and private homes throughout the southeast. Calista Anne teaches at both her home and at Mercer University. She has coached two youth symphonies and co-founded the Covington Community Church Orchestra as well as the Greater Atlanta Harp Choir, Buckhead Youth Orchestra Harp Ensemble and Middle Georgia Harp Ensemble. Many of Calista's students have gone on to college and won national and local scholarships. Students of Calista Anne have performed at the Georgia Governor’s Mansion, at GMEA state convention in Savannah, and have won positions in youth orchestras around the state including the Macon Symphony Youth Orchestra and the Mercer Symphony Orchestra. This March 2007, her harp ensemble performed at the Macon’s Cherry Blossom Festival.
References: please call and ask for students or parents that can recommend
