Choral Program
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The Choral Department at Dr. Garcia High School is a musical, intellectual, and social haven for High School Students. It is important for students of all social, academic, and musical backgrounds to be challenged and inspired as curious and fervent musicians, as well as independent and free-thinking members of their social communities. Every day, the teacher and students will work together to build a community that empowers them to embrace their potential in class and society. It is the goal that each student gain an understanding of the human voice, choral repertoire, and performance art to enable themselves to share their gifts and perspectives with the greater community.
Please see “Special Note” under each description for prerequisite information and special placement considerations.
Choral Director
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Karista Lee Collum
Karista Lee Collum, a Palm Beach County native, is in her 7th year as a secondary Choral Director for the Palm Beach County School District and is currently the Palm Beach County Florida Vocal Association District 14 Chair Elect. Mrs. Collum did her undergraduate studies at Florida Atlantic University in Music Education with a concentration in vocal studies and her Master’s in Music Education with a concentration in choral conducting from Mississippi State University.
In addition to teaching choir, Karista has participated in the Palm Beach County Schools and Discovery Education STEM training program, The Florida Music Educators Association Emerging Leaders Program, the Florida Schools of Music Association Summer Leadership Institute and was the recipient of the 2021 Florida Vocal Association Rising Star Award in Choral Education.
Karista is an active performer in Espressivo, a chamber ensemble based out of south florida, a soprano section leader for Schola Cantorum of the Delray St. Paul’s Episcapal Church, has performed in the Young Adult Honor Choir at Carnegie Hall, she teaches private voice lessons to students of all ages and operates as a consultant for various ensembles including the Palm Beach Children's Chorus. She is a member of the American Choral Directors Association, the Florida Music Educators Association, the Florida Vocal Association, and the Florida Schools of Music Association.Karista is excited to join the Dr. Joaquín Garcia High School family and continue to create a love of music and an environment excellence in the community.
Course Descriptions
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Beginning Ladies Choir
Chorus 1: 1303300A
This is the beginning chorus for treble singers of all grades. This course provides students with experiences in basic vocal production techniques and group singing. The content includes, but is not limited to, enabling students to develop basic skills in vocal tone production, choral performance techniques, musical literacy and music appreciation. This chorus performs at all major concert programs during the school year with extra performances beyond the school day to be expected.SPECIAL NOTE: No recommendation or audition is required.
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Men’s Choral Ensemble
Chorus 1: 1303300
Chorus 2: 1303310
This course is for tenor/bass singers of all grades and skill levels. This unique class provides a gender specific environment where boys can feel comfortable singing in their proper vocal range. Emphasis will be placed on healthy vocal production, basic musicianship skills, music reading and notation, team work, leadership and exposure to a wide variety of repertoire. This chorus performs at all major concert programs during the school year with extra performances beyond the school day to be expected. Boys from this chorus (selected by audition) may also sing with the advanced chorus at some performances.SPECIAL NOTE: No recommendation or audition is required.
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Intermediate Treble Choir
Chorus 2: 1303310A
This is the intermediate treble chorus for treble students with some choral experience.. This course provides students with instruction in the development of vocal production techniques and large and small group singing of like-voices. The content includes, but is not limited to, enabling students to demonstrate skills in vocal tone production, choral performances techniques, music literacy, and music appreciation. This chorus performs at all major concert programs during the school year with extra performances beyond the school day to be expected.SPECIAL NOTE: No recommendation or audition required
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Advanced Ladies Choir
Chorus 3: 1303320
Chorus 4: 1303330
This is the advanced chorus treble singers who have been in chorus for at least one year. This course refines students’ basic musicianship through the performance of varied chorus literature. Content includes, but is not limited to, the extended study of characteristic tone production, style, form, musical literacy and technical proficiency as related to choral performance. This chorus performs at all major concert programs during the school year with extra performances beyond the school day to be expected.SPECIAL NOTE: An audition and director’s recommendation is required, as well as a cumulative 3.0 GPA and all “3s” and “4s” in conduct.
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Advanced Mixed Choir
Chorus 5 Hon: 1303340
Chorus 6 Hon: 1303350
This is a select, auditioned choir for all singers who have been in chorus for at least one year.This course refines students’ basic musicianship through the performance of varied chorus literature. Content includes, but is not limited to, the extended study of characteristic tone production, style, form, musical literacy and technical proficiency as related to choral performance. This group performs at all major concert programs during the school day with extra performances to be expected. Students should keep in mind that this ensemble has an extensive performance schedule beyond that of a regular choir and should be prepared for after school rehearsals.SPECIAL NOTE: An audition and director’s recommendation is required, as well as a cumulative 3.0 GPA and all “3s” and “4s” in conduct.
