The Choral Director's Toolbox: Episode 31

Submit a listener question to Toolbox@FestivalSingers.org.

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

Submit a listener question to Toolbox@FestivalSingers.org.

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

Submit a listener question to Toolbox@FestivalSingers.org.

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

Submit a listener question to Toolbox@FestivalSingers.org.

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

Submit a listener question to Toolbox@FestivalSingers.org.

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

Submit a listener question to Toolbox@FestivalSingers.org.

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 17

I’ve Been Fired from My Church Position—Now What?

In Episode 17 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host Dr. William Baker addresses one of the toughest realities in church music leadership: I’ve Been Fired from My Church Position—Now What? Learn how to respond with professionalism, protect your future, and move forward after an unexpected termination. This week’s listener question discusses strategies for dealing with negativity in a choral ensemble. Today’s inspiration features Samuel Barber’s powerful* Agnus Dei*, performed by The William Baker Festival Singers. Tune in for an honest, practical, and encouraging conversation about resilience in the choral profession.

The Choral Director's Toolbox: Episode 15

The Orchestral Choral Instrument

Submit a listener question to Toolbox@FestivalSingers.org.

In Episode 15 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host Dr. William O. Baker explores The Orchestral Choral Instrument, urging conductors to approach the choir with the same expectation for metrical precision, rhythmic clarity, and expressive articulation typically reserved for orchestral sections. Learn why energized consonants and pure vowels must be mastered before a chorus can effectively join forces with an orchestra—and why the music itself must be conducted, not just the singers. This week’s listener question delves into the rehearsal real estate of programming choral music. Today’s inspiration features "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" arranged by Gilbert Martin, performed by The William Baker Festival Singers from their 2002 Sing and Ponder album. Tune in for another episode of practical insight and choral inspiration.

The Choral Director's Toolbox: Episode 8

The Frustrating Rehearsal

Submit a listener question to Toolbox@FestivalSingers.org.

In Episode 8 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host Dr. William Baker shares strategies for managing The Frustrating Rehearsal. Learn how to maintain focus and professionalism when things aren’t going as planned. This week’s listener question addresses how to build confidence and retain male singers in youth choirs, while today’s inspiration is the powerful African-American work song This Old Hammer, arranged by John W. Work and performed by The Men of the Robert Shaw Chorale. Tune in for practical advice and uplifting music!

The Choral Director's Toolbox: Episode 6

The Language of Spirituals

In Episode 6 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host Dr. William O. Baker explores The Language of Spirituals in the African American tradition, shedding light on the cultural and musical significance of these powerful works.

This week’s listener question addresses the perennial debate: Should choral directors use a baton? Finally, today’s inspiration is Alice Parker’s beautiful arrangement of “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,” performed by The William Baker Festival Singers of Atlanta from their 2015 album Voice of Singing. Tune in for a thoughtful discussion and a moving celebration of choral artistry!

The Choral Director's Toolbox: Episode 5

Prescriptive Choral Training

This week on The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host Dr. William O. Baker welcomes Dr. Jamea J. Sale, Director of the Institute for Healthy Singing and Voice Research, for a special discussion on Prescriptive Choral Training. Learn how this approach moves beyond traditional warm-ups, incorporating voice science, body mapping, and kinetic movement to optimize vocal performance and ensemble cohesion. This week’s listener question explores the best devices for recording rehearsals, and today’s inspiration features Moses Hogan’s powerful spiritual “I’m Gonna Sing Till the Spirit Moves in My Heart” performed by The William Baker Festival Singers. Join us for a thought-provoking and practical episode!

The Choir Director's Toolbox: Episode 1

Five Steps To Creating A Rehearsal Event

Kick off 2025 with the inaugural episode of The Choral Director’s Toolbox!

In this debut episode, host Dr. William O. Baker explores “Five Steps to Making Each Rehearsal a Special Occasion,” offering practical strategies to transform rehearsals into meaningful and productive experiences. Discover the “toolbox” approach to choral leadership in response to a listener question, and enjoy a stunning performance of Alexandre Kopylov’s “Heavenly Light” by the Robert Shaw Chamber Singers. Join us as we celebrate the art of choral music and inspire excellence in every rehearsal!