Corinne (Cori) Smith is the director of bands at Curtis Junior High School in the University Place School District where she directs 250+ students across three concert bands, one jazz band, and co-directs the symphony orchestra.  

Cori holds a Bachelor’s in Music Education from the University of Montana, a Master of Music Education from the University of Idaho, and is a National Board Certified teacher.

Cori performs actively in the region as a member of the Tacoma Concert Band, Brass Band Tacoma, and the Vintage Band.  Further north, she is the artistic director and conductor for the Highline Community Symphonic Band.  Cori is an active guest conductor, adjudicator, and clinician who is passionate about creating meaningful, memorable music experiences for musicians and audiences.

A staunch advocate for music education, Cori is the past Band Curriculum Officer and incoming President-Elect for the Washington Music Educators Association. Cori has earned recent recognition through the Franklin Pierce School District’s Excellence in Education: Improving Instruction (2021 and 2019), University Place School District’s Extra-Curricular Excellence Award (2025), Curtis Junior High School PTSA Outstanding Educator Award (2025-2025), and is the 2025-2026 University Place School District’s Teacher-of-the-Year. As the winner of the 2026-2027 Robert Musser Conducting Fellowship, she plans to improve her musicianship to create more meaningful, memorable music experiences for musicians and audiences.  

Outside of music, Cori loves to attend conducting symposia, play competitive tennis, board games, and spend time outside in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.