Conducting

During his composition studies at the University of Texas at San Antonio, Mr. Garcia conducted various vocal and instrumental ensembles for the premieres of his compositions. His conducting talents and enthusiasm for doing new works gained attention from his fellow student composers, who regularly asked him to perform or conduct ensembles for their compositions.

While at UTSA, Mr. Garcia studied choral conducting with Dr. John Silantien. He also sang in the reknowned chorus, the San Antonio Mastersingers, which is directed by many prominent conductors from around the world. As a result, Mr. Garcia has had the opportunity to observe and converse with conductors such as Margaret Hillis (founding director of the Chicago Symphony Chorus), Robert Page (Cleveland Orchestra Chorus), Daniel Lipton, Daniel Hege and many others.

While holding section leader posts in a few prominent area church choirs, he was regularly asked to assume assistant/substitute director duties. In 2001, he was named Interim Choir Director at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, where his work with traditional and contemporary music garnered much attention. As a result of his tenure there, he was referred to his current position as Music Minister/Composer-in-Residence of the Church of the Holy Spirit. In 2006, he and his wife Tawni R. Garcia founded the Choral Consortium, a group of seven Episcopal parish choirs that perform classic works as well as premiering new works by Mr. Garcia and his colleague, Donald Sebesta.

With Northside ISD, Mr. Garcia has been asked to conduct masterclasses and clinics for Zachry MS, Stevenson MS, and Stinson MS.