We are thrilled to welcome Ciara Solby and Thomas Morris to the Akropolis team through our internship program! The Akropolis Reed Quintet’s internship program offers real-world, hands-on experiences for college students and recent graduates who are interested in pursuing a career in music, arts administration, nonprofit management, and live event production. Ciara and Thomas will be working with Akropolis on everything from digital marketing to sheet music publishing and all things in between. With the unique opportunities presented by the Akropolis internship program, Ciara and Thomas will learn what goes into successfully managing a chamber music ensemble and nonprofit organization, including interacting with industry professionals, including the members of Akropolis, through hands-on experiences. Welcome aboard!

Ciara Solby is a junior clarinet performance major studying with Dr. Richard Faria at the Ithaca College School of Music and is originally from Johnstown, NY.  At Ithaca College, Ciara is a member of the Ithaca College Wind Symphony that will be performing at Lincoln Center spring 2019, and has participated in the yearly concerto competition at Ithaca College.  On her fall 2017 recital, she put together the college’s first reed quintet after being inspired by seeing Akropolis perform the year prior.  Additionally, Ciara is the treasurer of Sigma Alpha Iota – Epsilon Chapter and Ithaca College Women in Music, two groups that strive to represent women in all forms of careers in music.  When she is not practicing, she enjoys working out, drinking coffee, and spending time with her cat, Candide.  Ciara’s best friend and biggest fan is her mom, Stacey Jacques.  Ciara would like to thank her mom because without her infallible love and support, there is no way Ciara would be doing what she truly loves.

Thomas Morris is an oboist currently based in Southeast Michigan. With a strong passion for contemporary music, Thomas enjoys working with composers to expand the repertoire of solo and chamber music that uses the oboe. As an educator, Thomas enjoys teaching about the oboe and new music, and has a small private studio. As a collaborator, Thomas has played in a variety of chamber ensembles that have placed as finalists in various competitions. Thomas is currently pursuing a Master of Music Performance at the University of Michigan. Thomas also has a Bachelor of Music Performance from Bowling Green State University. Thomas’ main teachers include Dr. Nancy Ambrose King and Dr. Nermis Mieses.