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In Episode 64 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host Dr. William Baker turns his attention to one of the most essential—and often overlooked—elements of choral success: Community Chorus Recruitment. With practical strategies and decades of experience, he outlines how to attract, engage, and retain high-quality singers, emphasizing the importance of visibility, preparation, and meaningful community connection. From leveraging music educators and local networks to creating entry-point ensembles like summer choirs, this episode offers a roadmap for building vibrant and sustainable choral programs.
This week’s listener question takes a lighter turn, as a choir member asks Dr. Baker for his annual baseball predictions. In response, he shares his enthusiasm for the game—drawing connections between music, teamwork, and the joy of performance.
Today’s inspiration is Out of the Deep from John Rutter’s Requiem, performed by The William Baker Festival Singers from their 2015 Amber Waves recording—a powerful and expressive work suited for advanced ensembles.
Submit your question to The Choral Director's Toolbox by writing to us at Toolbox@FestivalSingers.org.