Kalea Walker

Biography

School: North Cobb Christian School
ASO Instructor: Jay Christy  
Other Musical Affiliations: Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra 
Summer Camps: Ithaca Suzuki Institute (2017 and 2019), University of North Carolina, Greensboro, Summer Music Camp (2022) Masterworks Festival (2024) 

Kalea is a junior at North Cobb Christian School and is a member of the school’s Mastery Orchestra, directed by Angela Baddock. Originally from Georgia, she spent the first 14 years of her life on the beautiful island of Bermuda. Kalea began playing the violin at age four under the guidance of Dr. LaTannia Ellerbe at the Bermuda School of Music and later studied with Dr. Brianna Thornton. She was initially drawn to the violin because her teacher made lessons so enjoyable that she eagerly anticipated each weekly session. 

Kalea's passion for music was further nurtured at the Bermuda High School for Girls, where she explored various instruments, received private flute tutoring from Lisa Maule, and participated in the flute choir, the school orchestra, and a band called Nothing But Treble. 

Upon returning to Georgia for high school, Kalea is now a student of Mr. Jay Christy. She has played with several orchestras, including the Bermuda School of Music Junior and Senior Orchestras (2014–2022), the Suzuki Youth Orchestra of the Americas (SYOA 1) in Minneapolis (2018), The High School Honors Performance Series String Orchestra at Carnegie Hall (2023), the Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestras (2022–2024), the District 12 Cobb County Honor Orchestra (2022 and 2023), and the Georgia All-State Orchestra (2024). 

Kalea has also attended notable summer music programs, such as the Ithaca Suzuki Institute (2017 and 2019), the University of North Carolina at Greensboro Summer Music Camp (2022), and the Masterworks Festival (2024). She is currently a member of the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra. 

Outside of music, Kalea is a passionate soccer player. She competes with the Girls Varsity Soccer Team at North Cobb Christian and is a devoted fan of the USA Women's Soccer team.