James Yarberry | Violin
James (16) is a junior in the Visual and Performing Arts Academy and has played violin for seven years under Suzanne Schreck. He has also studied piano for five years under Jeanette Winsor. In middle school, he was Concertmaster for two years, made both All-City and Junior District Orchestras each year, was awarded "Excellence in Violin" during each of his three years, and was a member of the Virginia Youth Symphony Orchestra. In 2010, he attended VCU’s Orchestra Intensive Camp and had the opportunity to sit in the Las Vegas Spectacular pit orchestra with Ray Pancarowicz. In 2011, he attended Florida State’s 70th Summer Music Camp and was placed in the top orchestra under Jerrold Pope. Later that year he won David Garrett’s “Competition for Young Violinists ”, which gave him a chance to meet David Garrett. This past summer, he attended the 85th Interlochen Summer Arts Camp, where he was conducted by Jung-Ho Pak and studied under Francesca Anderegg and Valentina Shohdy. He is currently the Concertmaster of the VPAA Symphony and made Senior Regional Orchestra all three years. He has played with three quartets in the past and he enjoys being a part of the Atlantic Aire String Quartet.
Addy Hockman | Violin
Addy (15) is a sophomore in the Visual and Performing Arts Academy in Virginia Beach and has been playing the violin for over 6 years. She has also studied piano under the instruction of Ramona Pittman and Jason Evans for just as long. During her freshman year, she was a member of the Concert Orchestra and the Academy String Quartet. At the moment, she is in of the Academy Symphony, the Bay Youth Orchestra program (5 years), and plays in the orchestra at her church (First Baptist Church of Norfolk). She attended All-City/Jr. District Orchestra all throughout middle school and she made Senior Regional Orchestra this year. She is also a part of other music programs, such as the Steel-Drums Band at Salem High and the lead-vocalist/pianist in her church band and choir. She was the Concert-mistress at Brandon Middle School and "Brandon's Best Player" for 3 consecutive years, in addition to two "Service Awards". She has a heart for classical music and she very much enjoys being a part of the Atlantic Aire String Quartet.
About Us...
Providing music to say what words cannot express is the reason four VPAA students formed the Atlantic Aire String Quartet. Offering personalized, affordable classical music for weddings, receptions, conventions, or other significant special events, the Atlantic Aire String Quartet is an exceedingly talented ensemble that provides tasteful music to enhance even the magnificent ambiance already present in the many lovely locations of Hampton Roads.
Composed of the traditional combination of two violins, a viola and a cello, members of the Atlantic Aire String Quartet are all current students at the well-known Visual and Performing Arts Academy and have had extensive experience performing in many different situations, including solo recitals by individual members.
- Classically Trained
- Versatile
- Knowledgeable
- Dedicated
Christi Tottossy | Viola
Christi (15) is a sophomore in the Visual and Performing Arts Academy and has been playing the viola for 6 years under the instruction of Ryan Featherer. Some of her awards include "Most Outstanding Musician" in 7th grade, "Most Outstanding Leader/Musician" in 8th grade, and the "Overall Orchestra Award" in both 8th and 9th grade. Throughout middle school, she maintained Principal Viola and made both All-City and Junior District Orchestras. Her middle school orchestra won the highest rating at festival competitions each of her three years. During her freshman year, she played in the Concert Orchestra, the Academy Symphony, and the Academy String Quartet. She is very passionate about playing the viola and enjoys being a member of the Atlantic Aire String Quartet.
Kirsten Rowe | Cello
Kirsten (16) is a sophomore in the Visual and Performing Arts Academy and has been playing the cello for six years. She studied with Charlotte Detwiller for 2 years and currently studies with Janet Kriner. During her freshman year in the Academy, she played in the Concert Orchestra, the Academy Symphony, and the Academy String Quartet. She is the Principal Cellist in her school's symphony and she also has a brief, one year piano background. In middle school, she maintained first chair in orchestra and was selected for All-City and Junior District Orchestras in 8th grade. She was in the Virginia Youth Symphony Orchestra for grades 7-9, but she currently plays in the Bay Youth Orchestra program. This year, she placed 4th in Senior Regional Orchestra's Symphony, which is the highest ensemble a student can play in. She is often selected for various chamber works, and she enjoys being a member Atlantic Aire String Quartet.