Choral Program
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.
Meet Our Director
Karista Lee Collum - Choral Director
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.