Cornish and Seattle University Faculty Host Music Showcase
Faculty members performed together at Raisbeck Auditorium to mark their institutions' recent academic integration.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Cultural
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Faculty from Cornish College of the Arts and Seattle University collaborated on a music showcase at Raisbeck Auditorium. This event follows the recent merger of the two schools, which aims to combine resources and expand opportunities for students.
Why it matters
The integration between the two institutions seeks to strengthen local music education by pooling institutional resources. Students will gain access to new programs, including an upcoming music minor and expanded study abroad opportunities.
Tom Baker has served on the faculty for 16 years, while new instructors Benjamin Hunter and Jimmie Herrod joined the staff this fall. The collaboration builds on established academic paths, including those taken by 2020 Seattle University graduate Elias Chanteloup.
The players
James Falzone
He is a musician and faculty member who performed a clarinet piece and an improvisation during the showcase.
Joan Laage
She is a dancer who provided a routine during the Butoh-inspired improvisation.
Tess Altiveros
She is a vocalist who performed a set accompanied by guitar music at the event.
Tom Baker
He is a long-standing educator who has taught at Cornish College of the Arts for 16 years.
Benjamin Hunter
He is a faculty member who joined the institution this fall.
The details
The showcase featured a variety of performances, including James Falzone playing a clarinet rendition of Bach's Cello Suite No. 1 and an improvisation piece alongside dancer Joan Laage. Vocalist Tess Altiveros also performed, accompanied by guitarist Michael Nicolella.
Timeline
2020: Elias Chanteloup graduated from Seattle University.
Summer 2026: Quinton Kuhn participated in a study abroad program.
Fall 2026: Benjamin Hunter and Jimmie Herrod joined the faculty.
Oct. 9, 2026: The music faculty showcase was held at Raisbeck Auditorium.
Industry Dynamics
This collaborative showcase follows a pattern set by the recent merger between Cornish College of the Arts and Seattle University. The event demonstrates how the two institutions are actively integrating their departments to unify their artistic programming.
Students at both institutions can look forward to expanded academic offerings, including a new music minor. Additionally, Cornish students will gain new access to study abroad programs previously reserved for Seattle University participants.
The takeaway
The joint showcase signals a new chapter of collaboration for the local arts community. By pooling talent and resources, the two schools are creating a more robust environment for students and faculty alike.
Further reading
For more on arts and performances in the region, explore the Seattle Cultural section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Spectator.
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