Student Ambassadors

WYO Student Ambassadors

Nathaniel Lowe

Nathaniel is currently a Junior at Jamestown High School. He has been a Clarinetist in the orchestra for 3 years. On the side, he plays his main instrument, the Baritone Sax, in many different ensembles, including Jamestowns Concert, Jazz, and Marching bands, pit orchestras, the dog street brass band, and the new WYO wind ensemble. His favorite part of WYO has been playing along side so many of his best friends.

Jack Miller

Jack is a freshman at Warhill High School. He started taking piano lessons when he was 5, and picked up the clarinet in 7th grade. He joined WYO in 8th grade and is currently a first clarinetist in the Symphony, as well as playing in the new Wind Ensamble. He is studying under David Lemelin, principal clarinetist of the RSO and WSO. Outside WYO, he plays with the Warhill honors band, marching band, sings in the choir, and performs at many recitals throughout the year.

Eleanor Rossi

Eleanor has been playing clarinet in WYO for over four years and is currently one of the first clarinetists in the Symphony. In addition to performing, she has a passion for nature and serves as the soils specialist on her school’s Envirothon team. She also enjoys learning about new bird species.

Joshua Kang

Joshua, a student at Jamestown High School, has been a member of WYO since 7th grade. He began playing cello at the age of six with Mrs. Susan Hines and currently studies with Mr. Michael Daniels. As the third sibling in his family to be part of WYO, his family's involvement now spans a decade. Joshua has participated in several summer cello festivals and the Virginia All-State Orchestra. He is also a member of the Tidewater Cello Ensemble and enjoys playing with his church worship team. Outside of music, he loves playing tennis, Minecraft, and exploring classic literature.

Ben Gershowitz

Ben is a student at Jamestown HighSchool and a cellist for WYO. When he is not making music, he can be found playing tennis, doing math and science problems, or blaming his internet when he loses at video games. He is approved by 4 out of 5 string-players, 9 out of 10 dentists, and at least one overly proud relative.

Cameron Rose Steinlicht

Cameron Rose is a home educated student. She had a love of music from the very beginning but that love of music grew at ECMS Musikgarten program, where she completed all levels through keyboarding 4. She began playing the violin at age five after being drawn to it since the age of two.She joined WYO, first in Chamber Strings and she is now in her second year of Symphony Orchestra. She loves all kinds of music but especially enjoys the opportunity to connect with friends over music, make new friends and play her violin with the Symphony. When she’s not playing her violin you can find her lounging with a book, enjoying nature, playing video games, working on craft projects, watching history documentaries and spending time with her Weimaraner, Lavender, who may or may not be her biggest fan.

Diara Portillo

Diara Portillo is a junior at Peninsula Catholic High School. She has played the cello for 6 years and has been a part of WYO since 6th grade. Diara loves WYO because of the friends and memories she has made. Outside of WYO, Diara likes to read and write, likes to watch TV shows, participates in her school’s speech and debate team, and sings for her school’s Mass Music Ministry club.

Katie Yu

Katie Yu, a student at York High School, has been playing the flute since the age of 8 years old. She has been a part of the WYO Symphony Orchestra as a first chair flutist for 3 years. She began studying the flute under Bonnie Kim, a previous professor at Christopher Newport University, but now studies under Joanne White, a flute professor at William and Mary.
Katie has won multiple awards from various concerto competitions, and has played with the Virginia All-State Band. She enjoys playing soccer, watching movies, and playing video games.

Amelia Stec

Amelia Stec is a student at Warhill High School who has been playing the violin since 5th grade and has been playing in WYO since 7th grade. She enjoys other performance activities such as acting, debate, and being a member in her school’s color guard. When she is not performing, she enjoys watching movies, reading, writing, and learning.

Andrew Bene

Andrew is a sophomore at Tabb High School. He has played violin for 5 years and has been a member of WYO for 3 years. He enjoys the experience of playing the violin with others in the orchestra and is thrilled to represent WYO as a Student Ambassador. In his free time, Andrew likes to play duet pieces with his brother (who plays the piano), try out new sports, and apply his knowledge of physics and economics to real life.

Elizabeth Kim

Elizabeth is a freshman at Tabb High School and a first violinist in the Williamsburg Youth Orchestra Symphony. She joined WYO in 7th grade and currently studies with Arkady Heifetz. Outside of orchestra, she is a member of Ballet Virginia’s second company, enjoys reading, writing, and watching holiday baking shows in the summer.