RIJF 2023

Joey Stempien College Big Band

Joey Stempien is a budding jazz composer, arranger and instrumentalist from Rochester, NY. Joey published his first professional composition as a senior at Brockport High School, where he also earned the piano chair in the prestigious Eastman Youth Jazz Orchestra and was selected for numerous county and state ensembles. Since graduating, he has continued to gain traction in the industry, with his music now garnering international attention.

Joey’s music has been reviewed by a number of influential musicians, including Dave Rivello, Bob Sneider, Herb Smith, Dave Chisholm, and Bill Tiberio. He continues to develop a unique voice within the contemporary music scene, citing the work of Pat Metheny, Lyle Mays, Maria Schneider, and Chick Corea as influences in weaving modern harmonic language and complexity into the culture of traditional jazz and fusion. His music is often characterized by its captivating melodic substance and unique handling of the ensemble.

Joey is a regular performer in the Rochester area as a pianist, clarinetist and percussionist. He is currently studying towards his B.A. in Music at the University of Rochester, with plans to further his involvement in the industry in later years. His debut EP, Life out Here, released in January 2023, featuring talent from institutions including the Eastman School of Music, Berklee College of Music and Crane School of Music. The Joey Stempien Big Band looks forward to making their debut performance at the 2023 Rochester International Jazz Festival.