Meet Carissa Walker of Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Carissa Walker.

Hi Carissa, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
It all started on the first day of middle school when we were picking our connection elective. A nervous yet anxious 6th grader rotated around the musical classes: chorus, band, and orchestra. The orchestra teacher at the time was Ms. Bridget Long, and she demonstrated all of the orchestra instruments, which caught my eye. She taught me how to play the violin, and my passion grew from there. Throughout my development as a violinist, I have been involved in multiple honor orchestras, youth orchestras, private lessons, and, most importantly, a community orchestra. Sinfo-Nia Youth Orchestra is a community orchestra that serves black and brown communities, providing exposure and endless opportunities. With this sense of musical community I have started to develop, I was pushed to audition. I was accepted into the performing arts magnet program in eighth grade, and a performing arts high school to pursue my musical studies even further. During my time in high school, I had the opportunity to perform in our musical pit: The Who’s Tommy (2017) and The Hunchback of Notre Dame (2019). My most notable performance during this time was at Carnegie Hall (2016) with my high school orchestra, plus an 11-day tour in Kingston, Jamaica, and Montego Bay, Jamaica (2017) with Sinfo-Nia Youth Orchestra. During this performance tour in Jamaica, Sinfo-Nia collaborated with the National Youth Orchestra of Jamaica, where I served as concertmaster. These experiences and opportunities helped motivate me in deciding to become a music educator. I obtained my Bachelor of Arts in Music (Education Track) from Valdosta State University in 2023, where I also studied violin under the remarkable Dr. Kristin Pfiefer Yu. With the help of Valdosta State’s music scholarship, I was not only able to be involved with the Valdosta Symphony Orchestra, but I also began my teaching experience through the South Georgia Strings Project. During my four years of undergraduate studies, each day reaffirmed my desire to be an orchestra teacher.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I would say getting adjusted to high school was my hardest challenge. Getting older, adjusting to a new environment, trying to establish new friendships, and all while trying to understand who I am during this time has caused a lot of uncertainty. Being at a performing arts school meant there were higher expectations to maintain talent and academics. With all of these obstacles hitting me all at once, it was hard to maintain everything, which put me on academic probation. Realizing that my opportunities were slipping through my hands made me change my perspective and seek a more humble yet gentle approach to life. Also, traveling to Jamaica in 2017 helped me understand the opportunities ahead of me, kept my head high, and helped me maintain focus on the goal.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Currently, I am a 4th through 8th grade orchestra director in DeKalb County. Though my primary school is DeKalb Arts Academy, I also teach at Robert Shaw Traditional Theme and have been a supplementary teacher at Wadsworth Magnet School for High Achievers. Though I have just finished my third year of teaching orchestra after college graduation, I am extremely grateful to be in this position to give back to the next generations – specifically black and brown students. Considering that I came from a strong performing arts background, I draw on my previous experiences in my teaching methods. Within the district, I am known as a passionate, creative teacher who helps retain and recruit orchestra students in the county. After the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, I learned that multiple orchestra programs had been eliminated from middle and high schools throughout the county. Being the passionate orchestra teacher that I am, I have a stronger calling to become an advocate, strengthen current orchestra programs, and possibly reform those that were eliminated. Aside from teaching in DeKalb County, I now teach at Sinfo-Nia Youth Orchestra, where we are still maintaining the goal of fostering black and brown students – specifically those who no longer have an orchestra program.

What sets me apart from others is that I still perform professionally on the violin outside of teaching. My ability to still perform helps me become a better teacher, as it holds me accountable. My students love to see me play for them during class, and I sometimes play in the hallway during dismissal time. Seeing my students so excited when I get to perform in the hallway helps build their confidence in many ways. As a performer, I understand the pressure of not wanting to mess up or to be perfect at every skill, and my students are starting to develop these exact emotions. However, I push them to understand that, as a performer, you will make mistakes, and you must continue to put yourself in these positions to feel more confident in your performance.

What are your plans for the future?
I am currently working on my master’s degree in Music Education at Georgia State University. Once I obtain my second degree, I hope to become more involved in different communities, possibly serving in leadership positions to help improve orchestra programs and to develop my own community orchestra. I would also like to step into a different realm by being a guest conductor and clinician. As I am currently visiting other schools, I take opportunities to offer small workshops – whether it’s preparing for festivals (LGPE in Georgia), preparing for auditions, preparing for concerts, or simply polishing up technique. I do aspire to keep pushing my students to perform on national platforms and eventually internationally.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: daaorchestra; lacie.strings