Michael C. Garcia is the Percussion Director at L.V. Berkner High School in Richardson ISD, where he works closely with Scott Ward to coordinate all percussion activities in the Berkner Cluster. His responsibilities include instructing the drumline, teaching middle school percussion classes, conducting percussion ensembles, and coordinating full cluster percussion concerts.
Before coming to Berkner in 2013, Mr. Garcia served as the Percussion Director at Southwest High School for two years. He oversaw all percussion activities from 6-12 grades. Under his leadership, the percussion program grew rapidly gaining recognition in several drumline contests and UIL/TMEA events. Mr. Garcia guided the percussion program to serve the band in multiple capacities including the Southwest HS Wind Ensemble, advancing to the state level in TMEA Honor Band competition in 2014, and the Raider Marching Band, advancing to the UIL State Marching Contest in 2014 (second time in Fort Worth ISD history for a high school band to compete).
Prior to teaching at Southwest HS, Mr. Garcia has worked with Marcus High School, Richland High School, Trinity High School, and North Crowley High School. From teaching private lessons to teaching full percussion ensembles and drumlines, Mr. Garcia developed a strong passion for teaching music. During his summers, Mr. Garcia enjoys traveling around the state to teach various drumline camps and workshops at several different high schools.
Mr. Garcia has been fortunate to perform with many indoor and outdoor ensembles. While pursuing his degree at Texas Christian University, Mr. Garcia was a member of the Symphony Orchestra, Wind Symphony, Concert Band, Steel Band, Basketball Band, and the highly-acclaimed Percussion Orchestra. Mr. Garcia performed with the TCU Percussion Orchestra (Winner of the PAS “Call for Tapes” Competition) at the PASIC Showcase Concert in 2011 and 2008. He has also traveled extensively with percussion ensembles to perform at venues such as the Sydney Opera House in Australia and Merkin Hall in New York City.
After marching with the Madison Scouts snare line in 2007, Mr. Garcia became a member of the Phantom Regiment snare line (2008-2010). In 2008, Phantom Regiment placed 1st at the DCI World Championships. In 2008 and 2010, the Phantom Regiment won the Fred Sanford High Percussion Award. His teachers included Paul Rennick, Roger Carter, Ellis Hampton, Jeremy Noyes, and Brian Lowe. Mr. Garcia was also an active member of the TCU Drumline for four years and the Dallas Cowboys Drumline for one year and continues to perform at various events throughout the area.
Mr. Garcia holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Texas Christian University. He studied with Dr. Brian West, Dr. Richard Gipson, Dr. Dave Hall, and Joey Carter. Mr. Garcia’s professional affiliations include the Texas Music Educators Association, the Texas Bandmasters Association, the Percussive Arts Society, and he is an educational artist with Innovative Percussion sticks and mallets. Mr. Garcia continues to be an active teacher, performer, and composer throughout the state of Texas.
