Guide Note

Ann Marie Calhoun is a violinist and the winner of the 2008 My Grammy Moment contest. She performed the song "The Pretender" with the Foo Fighters and a live orchestra at the Grammy telecast.

Fast Facts

1. Maiden Name: Ann Marie Simpson
2. Origin: Virginia
3. Attended University of Virginia
4. Former Science and Music teacher
5. Has toured with Steve Vai, Jethro Tull and Ringo Starr

Born in Virginia, Calhoun started playing the violin at the age of 3. While teaching at Woodberry Forest School, she continued her music career.

She played as a member of the folk-bluegrass group Old School Freight Train, then worked as a studio musician. She eventually left teaching and pursued music full-time, recording with Dave Matthews and touring with the North African band Kantara, then Ian Anderson and Jethro Tull.

She continues to perform and record, working with Steve Vai and Ringo Starr in 2007 and 2008.