Hampton Roads Academy’s lead violinist has made history after being named concertmaster of the All-Virginia Symphony Band & Orchestra for a second year.
Benjamin Motter, an 18-year-old senior from Williamsburg at HRA, was also named concertmaster of the Southeastern Regional Orchestra in the fall and currently serves as concertmaster of the Williamsburg Youth Orchestra and lead violinist in HRA’s Upper School Orchestra.
As concertmaster of the All-Virginia Symphony Band & Orchestra, Motter will serve as the liaison between the statewide orchestra and the guest conductor.
The All-Virginia Symphony Band & Orchestra is composed of high school musicians from all-regional and all-district orchestras who audition for a spot on the state-wide ensemble.
Motter, also an accomplished pianist and guitarist, said he is in awe of receiving the title of concertmaster for the second year, having also served as concertmaster in 2013.
“To get it one time was amazing enough, but to repeat it for the first time in history? I’m still wrapping my head around it,” Motter said.
He credits HRA Strings Director Arkay Heifetz for much of his success.
“Through one-on-one lessons, scale exercises and just general pointers, he has prepared me throughout Upper School for these auditions,” Motter said, calling Heifetz his “main influence.”
Citizens can see Motter and other leading Virginia high school musicians perform at the 2015 All-Virginia Symphony Band & Orchestra concert April 9 through April 11 at Christopher Newport University’s Ferguson Center for the Arts.
CASA Receives $1,000 Check from Chesapeake Financial Group
Colonial CASA, which works with community volunteers to advocate for the needs of abused and neglected children, recently received a $1,000 check from Chesapeake Investment Group.
Trudy Quinto, the president of Chesapeake Financial Group, presented the check to Colonial CASA Executive Director Charlotte Klamer in February.
The CASA Board of Directors was also in attendance for the presentation of the check.
Development Coordinator Michelle Lawrence said the $1,000 will be used as general funding for the program.
Correction: This article has been corrected to show Benjamin Motter was concertmaster in 2013.
