Calista Anne (neé Moser) Koch Initiated into the Beta Eta Chapter of Alpha Chi Omega in 1994. While at FSU she received a B.S. in Music Therapy, primary instrument – harp
At FSU, she participated in all types of ensembles; symphony, wind ensemble, opera (pit orchestra), and chamber groups. She would also often would perform with her fellow Alpha Chi Omega sisters who sang for house events. As a music therapist, she volunteered at Westminster Oaks, where she had the chance to play guitar and piano, and lead memory impaired residents in weekly activities. Many civic groups would actively seek her music to entertain them at their meetings, and she was often showcased at the Garnet and Gold Club events.
During her time at FSU she was an active member of Alpha Chi Omega (VP. Fraternity Relations (2 years), where she enjoyed performing harp at Pref ceremonies, participating in the Alpha Chi Chorus that was assembled to participate in one of the fraternity’s philanthropy, and helping the new members learn the ritual music. Often, sisters could be found playing piano in the living room, and she has many fond memories of such. When asked about her time in Alpha Chi, she shared one of her greatest honors during those years was serving on the national song book committee for Alpha Chi Omega. In this role, she transposed, edited, compiled, and even submitted pieces for our national songbook (1992 edition).
When Calista left FSU, she knew she would remain active in the world of music, no matter which city she settled; as a harpist, she has performed with many symphony orchestras, for many church productions, and have accompanied a large variety of chamber ensembles. She has had the honor of performing at two Alpha Chi Omega National Conventions and during Covid, one of the Florida chapters of Alpha Chi Omega invited her to perform an on-line concert during MacDowell month.
While at FSU Callista was extremely busy with the ensembles she was expected to perform with, but still made time to find joy in playing with as many friends as she could; at that time, several sisters were talented singers and performers, so she had a ready made group of musically minded friends. She made many lasting friendships with her sisters and stays in touch with more than she would have assumed. She shared she is grateful that she prioritized that element of my college days.
When asked if she had advise to current Alpha Chi Omegas, she shared: “focus on your studies, yes, but realize that these ladies are the ones that will attend your wedding, congratulate you on the birth of your children, and cry with you when your parents pass. They are the ones that will pick up with you, like it was only yesterday, when you bump into each other, after years of only social media and telephone communications. These relationships you are forming are the model you hope you pass on to your own daughters. The little disagreements will fade, the lukewarm feelings you have for some sisters will deepen into a mutual respect, and the ones that you know are your chosen closest confidants will remain intimate throughout the years to come – no matter the distance and the paths you choose. Protect that. “
Today, Calista is a professional, free-lance harpist in Middle Georgia, but performs in many states around (including being in Tallahassee at least every other year). She is the harp professor at Mercer University, in Macon, where she has a full studio and just revitalized a harp that was donated to her program. She currently runs three harp ensembles, one of which will perform on the national stage this March. Mostly as a soloist, she performs throughout the southeast, and she has a robust music studio out of her home, that boasts 40 students. She is often am asked to present at conventions and workshops about being a successful freelance musician and teacher. Aside from her career, she homeschools her children: her son who is 10 and in the 5th grade, and her daughter who is a senior and will be a music major next year. Though she will attend a school that does not have an Alpha Chi Omega chapter, she hopes she finds a home with some likeminded ladies from another sorority that will be her family away from home. (who knows maybe her daughter will chose to be an alumane initiate in years to come.)
FSU Alpha Chi Omega 
Thank you!
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