Carolyn Christy

October 2026 Issue
Lowcountry Originals 2026

Photography (top and middle-right)
by Cassidy Dunn Photography

Carolyn Christy

Current Residence: Bluffton
Hometown: Dayton, OH
Career: Elementary and Special Education Teacher
Art: Music, Flute & Harp
Family: Husband, Lynn (retired veterinarian); sons Alex (married to Minnie) and Paul (married to Megan); granddaughter, Vivian; and grandsons, Harrison, Gavin, and Benjamin

When and how did you discover your artistic talent? How and/or why did you choose your medium? What do you love about it?
I was automatically enrolled in piano lessons at age 6. I inherited my sister’s flute in 5th grade–no other choice. I enrolled in Kent State University School of Music after undergrad in Education at The Ohio State University. I was a flute education major and discovered excitement with my flute and with all other instruments that I took each term, until I found the harp room my last term. I fell in love with harps!  

What’s the best encouragement you’ve ever received in pursuing your artistic talents? 
As I continued learning the harp, I joined an ensemble of about 20 harpists in Dayton.  In order to learn the left hand bass clef parts, I played only left hand for about a year. It worked! Eventually, I was able to play both hands together. I was encouraged by being a part of the ensemble, making beautiful music together.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve overcome in pursuing and honoring your talent? 
Life gets in the way of practicing!

What do you hope people who view or read your art “get” out of it?
I hope audiences and people who hear my music get enjoyment out of it.

Does anyone else in your family enjoy playing music like you?
My sons never had an interest in music, but one of my grandsons plays cello, one is in the high school choir and two of them have keyboards and enjoy their lessons. My granddaughter plays guitar. I’m thrilled they are enjoying music so much because it has added so much to my life. I need to mention my sister in Tucson, who isn’t a musician, but a very talented color pencil artist. She is well-respected and has written books on the subject.

Your husband is a retired veterinarian, were you all a dog, cat or full menagerie of pets household?
We had cats since we were married, but at one point, a breeder gave us two Maine Coon cats. They were the most personable cats; we really loved them. They both lived to 18-years-old.

What makes your heart sing?
My heart sings when the music of the groups I’m in is enjoyable for our audiences.

What is the most unique or funny thing you’ve ever done or experienced?
The weirdest and funniest thing that ever happened to me was when Comedian Tim Conway breezed through my high school gym class when us girls were in our dorky gym uniforms. He graduated from my high school and was back taking a tour. He mugged for us all as he walked through.

In your artistic pursuits, what is your proudest moment so far?
I am a member of the Lowcountry Chapter of the American Harp Society Harp Ensemble. In 2022, we commissioned music from Atlanta composer, Rhett Barnwell. He chose to arrange Gullah music for the harps. We gave a concert at St. Andrew By-the-Sea United Methodist Church on Hilton Head and at Charleston Southern University in Charleston. That was exciting! I was so proud to be a part of these concerts.

In addition to your art, what is something people would be surprised to know about you?
Besides music, I knit. I’m currently knitting infant hats for the newborns at Coastal Carolina Hospital. Also, I am a card stamper and get great pleasure in creating cards.

What’s the color palette of your life?
I am soft and neutral with lots of blue.

If you couldn’t do your art, what else would you choose to do?
I think I might enjoy watercolor or painting of some sort.

Do you have any upcoming performances?
Yes! I’m playing with the Bluffton Symphonic Band directed by Deborah Hamner. All are free concerts, please come!
• Sunday, 10/18, 4:00 p.m.: May River High School, Bluffton 
• Sunday, 10/25, 4:00 p.m.: Bluffton High School, Bluffton

I also play with Flutes of the Lowcountry directed by D.K. Bennett and Jaki Fesq.
• Thursday, 11/19, 7:00 p.m.: The Episcopal Church of Okatie, Ridgeland

There is also one performance planned with the Lowcountry Chapter of the American Harp Society Harp Ensemble directed by Lucy Scandrett. 
• Friday, 12/4, 11:00 a.m.: Bluffton Library, Bluffton