HS Vocal Music, Nexus Director, Musical Director, Lüxe Cabaret Coordinator 

Zach Howell is the director of choral activities at North Polk High School. Prior to this, he served as the 6-8 director in the district. In this position, he directs concert choir, chamber choir, the high school show choir (Nexus) and assistant directs the middle school show choir (Revolution).   He also serves as the district Fine Arts Content Team Lead and Mentor Teacher. He also is currently serving as the Immediate- Past President of IMEA (Iowa Music Educators Association). 

Originally from Davenport, IA, Zach received his Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Iowa State University in 2014. While at Iowa State, Zach was part of the Iowa State Singers, Opera Studio Productions, Studio Voice, as well as the Iowa State Marching Band for two seasons.

Before teaching at North Polk, Zach taught 7-12 vocal music, drama, and musical theater at Belmond-Klemme Jr./Sr. High School for five years. In that time, he expanded the show choir program, established new music history and theater performance classes for both middle and high school students.

Since being at North Polk, he has restarted both the middle and high school show choir programs in the past three years that have been inactive since around 2013 in the district. He has also increased numbers for the choral program over the past three years with significant growth and enrollment. 

In addition to his duties in the district, Zach has served as an adjudicator or conductor with other local music and theater organizations across the state. Judge Story Theatrical Troupe, Crossroads Percussion, Des Moines Lincoln and Newton High School, IHSMA certified adjudicator. He has also been recognized as the 2024 South Central Outstanding Choral Educator by the Iowa Choral Directors Association.

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MS Vocal Music, Revolution Director

Kylie Garringer is the director of choral activities at North Polk Middle School. She directs the curricular choirs and the middle school show choir (Revolution).  

Mrs. Garringer is orginally from North Liberty, IA and graduated from Iowa City West High. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Iowa State University in 2017. While at Iowa State, Kylie was part of the Iowa State Singers, Cantamus, Music Theatre, A capella groups, and SAI. 

Before teaching at North Polk, Kylie taught 7-8 vocal and general music at Northwest Junior High School in the ICCSD for three years, and enjoyed getting to host clubs, re-start the show choir program post-covid, and sponsor the a capella group. Prior to her work at NWJH, she taught 7-12 choir in Wilton, IA for three years, starting a show choir program for the first time in school history. 

Outside of school, Kylie enjoys spending time with her husband, friends, family, and her dog. She loves to make things, do home renovations, and watch Lord of the Rings (as well as other fantastic movies). 

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