by Lorie Lewis Ham
It has been a while since KRL interviewed any local teachers, so we thought it was about time. This week we are chatting with the new choir director for KCUSD, Calista Domingcil. She began this August. Calista says that her job as Choir Director is to teach students how to sing, read music, and work well with others.
KRL: Is this your first time working for KCUSD?
Calista: This is my first year working for KCUSD and I am so excited!
KRL: Can you tell us more about your position? What schools will you be teaching at?
Calista: My job is to expose students to different kinds of music so that they are well rounded. I teach them basic music theory and vocal techniques to better help them sing along and with their groups. I also prioritize social and emotional learning into my classroom. More than anything, I want my students to be kind to each other and respect others. I will be teaching at Reedley High School.
Calista Domingcil
KRL: Have you worked at other schools?
Calista: I have worked at other schools before KCUSD. I was an elementary music teacher in Southern California for a year before moving back to the valley to start at KCUSD.
KRL: What is your background in music?
Calista: I grew up in a household of music. My dad is the acting band director at Dinuba High and always has encouraged me to immerse myself in music. I grew up with my siblings being part of band, and I knew from a young age that music was my thing. I started piano lessons when I was 10, and I’ve been singing since I could speak. I did choir in junior high, high school, and all of college. I’ve sung all types of genres from classical to jazz to musical theatre. Music is really my whole life.
KRL: What are some of the other types of jobs you have had in the past?
Calista: Most of my jobs in the past have been music related. Before coming to KCUSD, I was living in Southern California and working at a couple different places. I was the primary music teacher at Travis Ranch School in Yorba Linda. There, I taught 14 classes of general music to students ranging from TK-3rd grade. I also taught through the Arts & Learning Conservatory in Costa Mesa. I was the Glee teacher there for grades K-5, and I was the music director for their shows; my most recent show was Suessical Jr.
I also worked at the School of Rock in Santa Ana as well as Dexter Music in Newport Beach; I taught private lessons in voice, guitar, piano ukulele, and beginning drums to students ranging from 5-18 years old. The jobs that I had in SoCal were so much fun. They shaped me to be the teacher that I am today and prepared me for almost anything that could happen.
KRL: Where are you from, and where did you go to school?
Calista: I am from Dinuba, CA. I was born and raised there, but now I live in Visalia. I went to Lincoln Elementary, Washington Intermediate, and Dinuba High School. I then continued my education at Vanguard University of Southern California. I graduated with my Bachelor’s Degree in May of 2022; and I am soon to start my credential program. Citrus Middle School, and Orange Cove High School.
KRL: How did you end up working in this position?
Calista: I ended up working in this position because I was wanting to move back home and be with my family. I was feeling burnt out from the hustle and bustle of “city life” and I felt like I needed a reset. When I was looking for jobs in the area, this was the first one I saw. I applied to a couple different districts, but I knew from the very first conversation I had with Jimmy Loomis that I was meant to be at KCUSD.
KRL: What are you most excited about for your new position?
Calista: I am excited about so many things for this job! If I had to choose one, it would be to rebuild this program and make it the best that KCUSD has seen. I want the students to know that they are all welcomed into my class, whether or not they are “trained” singers. I aspire to make my classroom a safe space for all students, and encourage them to be just a little better than they were the day before. My goal is to grow the choir program in numbers the next couple of years. I’m hoping to get the word out to the junior high and K8 schools we have and let them know that choir is an option for them when they get to high school. All students should have the opportunity to at least try singing and see where it takes them.
KRL: What so far has been the hardest?
Calista: The hardest thing about this job so far is being at 3 different sites. I love getting to know all of my students, but it is difficult to make a personal connection with each one since I do have so many. It’s nothing that I can’t handle, and I’m looking forward to getting more students into my classes in the next couple years.
KRL: What is your typical day like, from beginning to end?
Calista: A typical working day for me is getting up at 4 AM and starting my day with a workout. It sets the tone of the day for me and gets my endorphins going! I get to RHS around 7:25 and prepare the room for the day. I teach 3 periods of choir at RHS and end my day there around noon. Then I head over to Citrus Middle School and teach one period there. After that, I rush over to OCHS and end my day with one period of choir. After work you can usually find me at home, watching my favorite TV shows and waiting to do it all again the next day!
KRL: Favorite style of music?
Calista: I like a lot of different kinds of music. It really just depends on my mood for the day. I’ll listen to anything between country, pop, funk, R&B, reggae, musical theatre, contemporary, alternative, ska, and rock. I like to think I’m a very well-rounded listener, and I encourage my students to do the same.
KRL: Family and hobbies?
Calista: My family is my whole life. They are the people that are supporting me day in and day out. I have 3 brothers and 3 sisters. My mom, dad, and sister are all educators in DUSD. I love having such a big family, and they are truly the best people in my life.
Most of my hobbies are arts-related. I sing, play piano & ukulele, dance, choreograph, bake, and it might surprise you, but I am really into MMA and Boxing. I love watching fights on Saturday nights with my dad, and I love training in boxing as my form of workout. My hobbies are really my way of destressing and getting my mind off things.
KRL: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Calista: I am so grateful to have the job that I do. It really doesn’t feel like work because I have the best time with my students. The kids I get to work with are so kind, giving, empathetic, and respectful. They make my job the joy that it is, and I feel so blessed to be able to wake up every day and pour into these students. I’m so excited for all the things that are happening behind the scenes, and I hope that we can get the name of the KCUSD Choir Department out there soon!
Here is our concert schedule for this semester:
October 18th at 6:45 p.m. is our Fall Concert in the PAT at RHS.
December 6th at 6:45 is our Winter Concert in the PAT for RHS students.
December 13th at 6:45 is the Winter Concert in the OCHS cafeteria for OCHS and Citrus Students.
Be sure to be looking out for the RHS Madrigals at different events throughout the holiday season!
Check out more local entertainment articles in our Arts & Entertainment section. And don’t miss out on Mysteryrat’s Maze Podcast where we feature mystery stories read by local actors!
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