The Choral Director's Toolbox: Episode 37

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In Episode 37 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host Dr. William Baker makes The Case for Inefficiency, challenging the idea that rigidly scheduled rehearsals always yield the best results. He shares why flexibility, exploration, and a willingness to linger in the music often lead to deeper artistry and more memorable performances. This week’s listener question asks whether it is ethical, or even legal, to modify a composer’s music, with Dr. Baker offering practical and thoughtful guidance. Today’s inspiration is the spiritual I Been in the Storm, arranged by Robert DeCormier and performed by The William Baker Festival Singers.

The Choral Director's Toolbox: Episode 36

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In Episode 36 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host Dr. William Baker shares the personal story Two Teachers, One Kid, honoring the life-changing impact of teachers who believe in their students and reminding us to “find someone to pass it along to.” This week’s listener question comes from a director struggling with repertoire selection for a spring concert, with practical suggestions for breaking through programming fatigue. Today’s inspiration pairs Cindy Berry’s Restore My Joy with John Rutter’s beloved The Lord Is My Shepherd from his Requiem, performed by The Mountain Park Choir. Tune in for an episode of gratitude, encouragement, and renewal.

The Choral Director's Toolbox: Episode 35

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In Episode 35 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host Dr. William Baker proclaims Choral Music Isn’t Going Anywhere, challenging the myth that our art form is in decline. Drawing on history, research, and decades of personal experience, he highlights the remarkable resilience and growth of choirs across America. This week’s listener question tackles the challenges of commissioning new music when the finished work proves impractical, offering guidance for directors navigating similar situations. Today’s inspiration is the serene Norwegian evening hymn, Nu Solen Går Ned, performed by the women of the William Baker Festival Singers. Join us for an uplifting episode celebrating the vitality and future of choral music.

The Choral Director's Toolbox: Episode 34

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In Episode 34 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host Dr. William Baker examines The Non-Musical Side of the Audition, highlighting how professionalism, courtesy, and care during auditions shape the reputation of a choral organization. Learn best practices for communication, documentation, and candidate experience that build trust and protect your ensemble. This week’s listener question takes on the debate over concert attire, with Dr. Baker making the case for maintaining high standards of formality. Today’s inspiration is Kenneth Jennings’ stirring anthem The Lord Is the Everlasting God, performed by The William Baker Festival Singers. Join us for an insightful episode blending leadership, vision, and artistry.

The Choral Director's Toolbox: Episode 33

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In Episode 33 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host Dr. William Baker shares practical wisdom on Meeting the Orchestra, the courtesies, expectations, and strategies that help choral conductors succeed when collaborating with instrumentalists. From stage setup and rehearsal pacing to communication and professionalism, Dr. Baker offers insights you won’t find in textbooks. This week’s listener question reflects on mentors’ enduring influence, with lessons from Paul Jordan, Sir David Willcocks, and Kenneth Jennings. Today’s inspiration is Alice Parker’s tender arrangement of the spiritual Sometimes I Feel, performed by the Robert Shaw Chorale with contralto Florence Kopleff. Join us for a thoughtful episode bridging tradition, preparation, and artistry.

The Choral Director's Toolbox: Episode 32

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In Episode 32 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host Dr. William Baker reflects on the invaluable role of Mentors in shaping a conductor’s career, sharing personal stories of wisdom passed down and lessons learned the hard way from seasoned colleagues. He encourages today’s young choral leaders to seek guidance from those “who have been over the mountain a few times” and to embrace the blend of tradition and innovation that builds true artistry. This week’s listener question offers strategies for launching a choir season on the right note. Today’s inspiration is Brahms’ lively Tafellied, performed by the Leipzig Radio Chorus. Join us for a heartfelt episode on learning, leading, and lifting each other up in the choral profession.

The Choral Director's Toolbox: Episode 31

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In Episode 31 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host Dr. William Baker brings a touch of heavenly humor with The Pearly Gates Tavern, an imaginative conversation between Handel, Haydn, and Mendelssohn over brunch in the afterlife. The three legendary composers reflect on oratorios, earthly performances of Elijah, and the enduring joy of music. This week’s listener question comes from a parent wondering how best to support musically inclined children as they begin school-year ensembles and piano lessons. Today’s inspiration is The Lonely Child from Songs of the Holocaust by William W. Dreyfoos, performed by The William Baker Festival Singers. Tune in for an episode that blends whimsy, wisdom, and deep reverence for music’s power across generations.

The Choral Director's Toolbox: Episode 30

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In Episode 30 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, guest host Dr. Jamea Sale, Director of the Institute for Healthy Singing & Voice Research, shares The Singing Mind: Summer Science Reads—a curated list of fascinating, accessible books exploring how music transforms the brain, body, and human connection. From Renée Fleming’s Music and Mind to James Nestor’s Breath, this episode offers compelling recommendations for musicians and educators alike. This week’s listener question spotlights favorite voices in popular music, with reflections on Karen Carpenter and Bing Crosby. Today’s inspiration is the gospel spiritual I Go to the Rock, arranged by Ronn Huff and performed by The William Baker Festival Singers. Tune in for a joyful blend of science, soul, and sound.

The Choral Director's Toolbox: Episode 29

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In Episode 29 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host Dr. William Baker shares reflections on Outraged by Outrageous Outrage, reminding us that gratitude, beauty, and the joy of music offer a profound antidote to the anger and division of the world around us. This week’s listener question tackles the elusive art of achieving choral blend—focusing on breath, vocal health, and ensemble unity. Today’s inspiration is John Leavitt’s stirring Kyrieleis, performed by The William Baker Festival Singers. Join us for a thoughtful, uplifting episode celebrating the grace of music and community.

The Choral Director's Toolbox: Episode 28

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In Episode 28 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host Dr. William Baker returns with practical wisdom on The Nuts and Bolts of Leading a Summer Choir, sharing strategies for recruitment, rehearsal planning, collaborating artists, and achieving high artistic standards with seasonal ensembles. This week’s listener question explores the use—and ethics—of online choral music resources like CPDL and IMSLP. Today’s inspiration is Jean Berger’s powerful Vision of Peace, performed by the St. Olaf Choir. Join us for insights on summer music-making, resourceful leadership, and the transformative power of choral art

The Choral Director's Toolbox: Episode 27

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In Episode 27 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host Dr. William Baker explores The Benefits of a Summer Choir, sharing how seasonal ensembles can enrich singers’ lives, strengthen community, and expand choral programs year-round. This week’s listener question addresses the delicate art of auditioning a couple—navigating joint auditions with professionalism and care. Today’s inspiration is Robert Ray’s uplifting gospel classic "He Never Failed Me Yet.” Tune in for practical insights and musical encouragement to energize your summer singing season!

The Choral Director's Toolbox: Episode 26

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In Episode 26 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host Dr. William Baker shares his most requested essay, Freedom Is the Oxygen of the Arts, reflecting on the vital connection between liberty and artistic expression in honor of Independence Day. Drawing on examples from Beethoven, Jean Berger, and Robert Shaw, Dr. Baker reminds us that creativity flourishes only where freedom is protected. This week’s listener question explores notable composers from America’s Colonial Period, including William Billings and Daniel Read. Today’s inspiration features the powerful first movement of Randall Thompson’s The Testament of Freedom, performed by the Men of the Summer Singers of Atlanta. Join us for an inspiring episode celebrating freedom, history, and choral art.

The Choral Director's Toolbox: Episode 25

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In Episode 25 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, guest presenter Dr. Jamea Sale, Executive Associate Director of the Choral Foundation and Director of the Institute for Healthy Singing & Voice Research, explores the science and artistry of Stage Arrangements. Learn how singer placement affects blend, vocal health, and ensemble cohesion—and why circumambient spacing might be the game-changer your choir needs. This week’s listener question tackles the ideal length and role of warm-ups—reframed as Choral Training—in a two-hour rehearsal. Today’s inspiration is Herbert Howells’ stunning Take Him, Earth, for Cherishing, performed by the Choir of Trinity College Cambridge. Join us for a thoughtful episode at the intersection of acoustics, pedagogy, and people.

The Choral Director's Toolbox: Episode 24

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In Episode 24 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host Dr. William Baker reflects on The Predicament of Beethoven, sharing insights into the composer’s life, suffering, and faith as revealed through his music. Drawing from major biographies and personal letters, Dr. Baker explores how Beethoven’s deafness, illness, and isolation shaped both his human journey and his sacred vocation as a composer. This week’s listener question offers practical tips for helping community and professional choirs memorize music while rehearsing only once per week. Today’s inspiration is Glorious Everlasting by M. Thomas Cousins, performed by the Mountain Park Choir of Atlanta. Join us for a stirring blend of music history, artistry, and inspiration.

The Choral Director's Toolbox: Episode 23

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In Episode 23 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host Dr. William Baker dives into The Naming of Voices, examining the history, assumptions, and consequences behind labeling singers as sopranos, altos, tenors, or basses. Learn why misassigned voice parts can lead to tension, poor intonation, and ensemble imbalance—and how thoughtful, flexible assignments can unlock freedom and blend. This week’s listener question explores the expressive and musical benefits of singing from memory. Today’s inspiration is R. Douglas Helvering’s radiant Serenade to Music, performed by The William Baker Festival Singers. Tune in for an honest, insightful, and empowering episode for choral directors and singers alike.

The Choral Director's Toolbox: Episode 22

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Damns of Distinction?

Host Dr. William Baker reflects on the decline of civility in public discourse, shares a hilarious essay on swearing by 16-year-old Robert Shaw (yes, that Robert Shaw), and offers personal insight into language, leadership, and the rehearsal podium. This episode also explores the many benefits of touring with your choir and features Eleanor Daley’s luminous “Upon Your Heart.”

The Choral Director's Toolbox: Episode 21

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Caring for Your Collaborative Pianist

Dr. William Baker reflects on the vital role of the collaborative pianist and offers practical tips for fostering a respectful and professional working relationship—from score prep to handwritten thank-you notes. Plus: a thoughtful response to a listener navigating choral diction in German, and this week’s musical inspiration, Sing and Ponder by Larry Fleming.

The Choral Director's Toolbox: Episode 20

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Rehearsal Design with the Voice in Mind

In Episode 20 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, guest host Dr. Jamea Sale, Director of the Institute for Healthy Singing & Voice Research, presents Rehearsal Design with the Voice in Mind. Learn how to structure rehearsals that balance vocal load, prevent fatigue, and promote healthy, expressive singing. This week’s listener question addresses whether humming pitches in concert is a valid substitute for using a pitch pipe. Today’s inspiration is the spirited Swedish piece Sköna Maj, performed by the New South Festival Singers at the Piccolo Spoleto Festival. Join us for a voice-savvy and musically enriching episode!

The Choral Director's Toolbox: Episode 19

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Austrian or Germanic Latin

In Episode 19 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host Dr. William Baker unpacks the controversy surrounding Austrian or Germanic Latin in Classical-period choral performance. With his signature clarity and wit, Dr. Baker challenges conventional assumptions and offers practical insight on pronunciation for clarity and expression. This week’s listener question addresses ideal seating—or no seating at all—for choral rehearsals. Today’s inspiration features Mozart’s majestic Kyrie from the Great Mass in C Minor, performed by The William Baker Festival Singers. Tune in for a thoughtful and invigorating episode!

The Choral Director's Toolbox: Episode 18

Commissioning New Music

In Episode 18 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host Dr. William Baker shares practical insights on Commissioning New Music, drawing from decades of experience premiering choral works. From contracts and composer relationships to rehearsal planning and premiere logistics, this episode is a must-listen for conductors considering the rewarding adventure of new music creation. This week’s listener question invites Dr. Baker’s recommended summer reading list for conductors and music lovers. Today’s inspiration is Norman Dello Joio’s lush setting of Come to Me, My Love, performed by The William Baker Festival Singers. Join us for a rich episode of creativity, reflection, and choral artistry.