Final Cadence
Harlem and the Bad Boys of Ballet. His credits also include performances at the Super Bowl LV Halftime Show and the 2021 MTV Video Music Awards, the Apple TV+ series Dickinson , and Fire Shut Up in My Bones at the Metropolitan Opera House. Floyd was known for his expressive artistry and the lasting impact he made on the stages and communities he moved through.
Gerald "Jake" Falasca Jr. BM ’98 of Chino Hills, California, died on March 2, 2025. He was 54. Born in Lynn, Massachusetts, Falasca grew up in Saugus before moving west in 1999, where he built a 26-year career in education and music. Known for his humor, strong sense of justice, and uncanny habit of offering unsolicited advice, he was a devoted teacher, musician, and mentor. Above all, he was deeply devoted to his family and his partner, Linda, and found joy in laughing, dancing, teaching, and playing his guitars.
Stephen Croes of Las Vegas, NV, died on September 5, 2025. He was 73. As Berklee’s dean of music technology, Croes provided leadership to faculty and oversaw the expansion of innovative studio facilities and student initiatives, including the founding of the Berklee Internet Radio Network. He also served as a professor in the Electronic Production and Design Department prior to his retirement in 2018. Born in Aberdeen, SD, he grew up in Rapid City, where his mother encouraged his early studies in piano and drums. Inspired by the Beatles, he pursued a career as a drummer, studying with Freddy Gruber in Los Angeles and working as a touring and session musician. His experiments with early sequencing software and MIDI technology led him to the Synclavier, which became central to his work and resulted in collaborations with Kenny Loggins, Mick Fleetwood, Alice Cooper, and Tommy Tune, as well as projects for Star Trek, National Geographic, and Jacques Cousteau. He is survived by his partner of 40 years, Lisa Colletta.
Chris Strom ’76 of Naples, FL, died on June 15, 2025. Born in Rochester, NY, Strom studied piano and drums in the preparatory department at the Eastman School of Music before attending Berklee. He spent his entire adult professional life as a touring musician throughout the US before moving to Naples, where he was well known and respected among fellow musicians. He is survived by his brother, Jerry; sisters Meta- Ann and Margaret; nieces and nephews; grandnieces; cousins; and legions of friends. He was predeceased by his parents, John and Margaret Ruff Strom, and by his sister, Jeannie Strom Miano.
Marquis Floyd BFA ’17 of Clearwater, FL, died on March 23, 2025. He was 30. A choreographer and performer, Floyd was part of the touring ensemble for The Lion King and worked with Dance Theatre of
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