The Choral Director's Toolbox: Episode 34

Submit a listener question to Toolbox@FestivalSingers.org.

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

Submit a listener question to Toolbox@FestivalSingers.org.

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

Submit a listener question to Toolbox@FestivalSingers.org.

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

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 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 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 Choral Director's Toolbox: Episode 2

Conducting a More Effective Audition

In the second episode of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host William Baker dives into "Conducting a More Effective Audition." Learn actionable strategies to streamline the audition process, prioritize your ensemble's needs, and ensure a respectful experience for all candidates. This week’s listener question addresses a challenging leadership scenario in a community chorus, while the episode concludes with Kenneth Jennings’ uplifting “All You Works of the Lord,” performed by The William Baker Festival Singers. Tune in to refine your choral leadership and celebrate the joy of music-making!