Welcome our 2025-2026 Akropolis Interns!
We’re so excited to welcome four talented administrative interns to our team at Akropolis!
Our interns at Akropolis are an important part of our internationally recognized, artist-led organization. These four artists will support Akropolis by assisting with our social media efforts, community engagement, publishing needs, and advertising our performances. Each intern brings unique skills and perspectives to our mission; get to know them below!
Joey Stempien, Social Media Intern
Joey Stempien (b. 2004) is a Rochester, NY-based composer and bandleader whose work in jazz and contemporary concert music has garnered national attention. Known for his visceral lyricism and evocative orchestrations, Stempien has developed a distinct voice that continues to resonate with performers and audiences alike. He made his publishing debut for big band at age 17, and his music has since been brought to life by the talents of the US Navy Commodores, Eastman Jazz Ensemble, and US Army Field Band Jazz Ambassadors, among others.
Stempien has received commissions from educational institutions, consortiums, and professional musicians across the country. As a guest clinician and conductor, he regularly works with ensembles at the middle school, high school, university, and community levels. He was named the winner of the Midwest Clinic’s 2025 Barbara Buehlman Prize in Composition for his wind ensemble work Montréal at Night.
In addition, Stempien maintains a busy performance schedule as a jazz pianist and multi-instrumentalist, including with GRAMMY-nominated saxophonist Jimmie Highsmith Jr. He currently leads the Joey Stempien Big Band, a professional ensemble of top collegiate and conservatory musicians dedicated to performing his original music.
Stempien is completing a dual degree in Music (B.A.) and Environmental Science (B.S.) at the University of Rochester. His original works for wind ensemble and big band are available through C. Alan Publications and Murphy Music Press.
Taylor Thompson, Publicity Intern
Taylor Thompson is a Phoenix, Arizona–based clarinetist and educator who prioritizes a balanced, holistic approach to performance and pedagogy. She has performed with ensembles across the state, including the 108th Army Band “Arizona’s Own”, Tempe Winds, and Millennial Choirs and Orchestras. As a freelance clarinet instructor in the metro-Phoenix area, Taylor works to cultivate artistry and self-motivation in her students while supporting their individual goals.
She has performed across the country and internationally, with highlights including the world premiere of Spencer Arias’ Heat Index at the 2025 Clarinetfest Conference, her trio's recital Geophony Trios at the 2024 International Double Reed Society Conference, the Rocky Ridge Music Festival in Estes Park, CO (2023), and the Belgian Clarinet Academy in Oostende, Belgium (2019). In addition to performing and teaching, Taylor serves as the Recruitment Coordinator for the School of Music, Dance and Theatre at Arizona State University, specializing in marketing and event planning in the Arts.
Taylor earned her M.M. in Music Performance from Arizona State University in 2024. Before moving to Arizona, she completed her B.M. in Clarinet Performance at Michigan State University, where she freelanced as a pit musician , competitive marching band instructor, and performed with the Ypsilanti Symphony Orchestra.
Sydney Kostelac, Publishing Intern
Sydney Kostelac, originally from Wisconsin, is a first-year Master of Music (MM) in flute performance student at the University of Maryland, College Park. Their flute performance interests center around contemporary and experimental music for flute(s) as a focal point amongst their broader classical training. They are also interested in librarianship, and hope to pursue a Masters of Library and Information Science (MLIS) after their MM. Sydney received their Bachelor of Arts in flute performance and information science with certificates in data science and digital studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in May of 2025.
Working as a band and orchestra librarian during their time at UW-Madison along with their recent experience as an assistant librarian with the Brevard Music Festival led Sydney to discover their passion for music librarianship, a field they are now looking to pursue professionally while also continuing with flute performance and teaching. In their free time, Sydney loves cooking, reading, playing cribbage, and listening to music.
James Williams III, Development Intern
James Williams is a bassoonist based out of Baton Rouge and Houston currently pursuing a Bachelor of Music from Louisiana State University. He is a member of the Sojourn Wind Quintet, an established group of advanced undergraduate musicians at LSU. James is an active member of his community and serves as a Senator in the LSU Student Government. Additionally, James has previously worked at and attended the Sewanee Summer Music Festival. In his free time, James enjoys spending time with friends, reading, and avoiding making reeds.
