The Choral Director's Toolbox: Episode 14

Voice Lessons for Children

In Episode 14 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host Dr. William Baker tackles the timely topic of Voice Lessons for Children, offering vital insights into vocal health, maturity, and age-appropriate musical instruction. Learn why early voice lessons can pose risks to young singers, and discover healthier alternatives that nurture musical growth. This week’s listener question evaluates the pros and cons of “Carnegie Hall” mass choir invitations. Today’s inspiration is Allegri’s transcendent Miserere Mei, performed by the Cambridge Singers under Sir John Rutter. Join us for a thoughtful episode bridging vocal wellness, artistic integrity, and inspiration for Holy Week.

The Choral Director's Toolbox: Episode 13

Sacred Cows Make the Best Burgers

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In Episode 13 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host Dr. William Baker dives into the theme “Sacred Cows Make the Best Burgers,” examining how long-held assumptions in choral music—like so-called “proper Baroque pitch”—can benefit from a fresh look. This week’s listener question explores the growing use of tablets in choral rehearsal and performance. Today’s inspiration is Brahms’ exquisite motet Schaffe in mir, Gott, performed by the RIAS Kammerchor under Marcus Creed. Join us as we question conventions, embrace innovation, and celebrate great choral art!

The Choral Director's Toolbox: Episode 12

Ego

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In Episode 12 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host Dr. William Baker reflects on Ego in choral leadership—how confidence and humility must coexist to serve the music, the singers, and the composer’s intent. This week’s listener question explores practical strategies for achieving excellence in choral diction. Today’s inspiration features There Is No Rose by Kansas City composer Dr. Sean Sweeden, performed by The William Baker Festival Singers. Join us for a thoughtful discussion on leadership, artistry, and the lifelong pursuit of musical excellence!

The Choral Director's Toolbox: Episode 11

Etiquette

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In Episode 11 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host Dr. William Baker explores Etiquette in choral rehearsals and performances, highlighting the impact of professionalism, respect, and decorum on the choral experience. This week’s listener question tackles how to manage excessive choir chatter while maintaining a positive rehearsal atmosphere. Today’s inspiration features Ballade to the Moon by Daniel Elder, performed by The William Baker Festival Singers. Join us for an insightful discussion on fostering excellence through refined choral leadership!

The Choral Director's Toolbox: Episode 10

The Sacred Harp

In Episode 10 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host Dr. William Baker explores The Sacred Harp, tracing its origins from Colonial-era singing schools to its lasting impact on American choral tradition. This week’s listener question examines the effectiveness of Robert Shaw’s count-singing method and whether it is appropriate in all choral settings. Today’s inspiration features God Is Seen in Alice Parker’s definitive arrangement, performed by The William Baker Festival Singers. Join us for a fascinating discussion on choral history, technique, and artistry!

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The Choral Director's Toolbox: Episode 9

The Passion of Precision

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In Episode 9 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host Dr. William Baker explores The Passion of Precision, emphasizing how technical mastery and emotional expression are inseparable in great choral performance. This week’s listener question tackles the importance of numerical balance in an ensemble and whether singers should be reassigned for even voice distribution. Today’s inspiration features a stunning choral setting of My Song Is Love Unknown, arranged by R. Douglas Helvering and performed by The William Baker Festival Singers. Join us for another insightful episode on choral artistry and leadership!

The Choral Director's Toolbox: Episode 8

The Frustrating Rehearsal

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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 7

Making the Most of Practice Between Rehearsals

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In Episode 7 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host Dr. William Baker shares practical strategies for Making the Most of Practice Between Rehearsals. Learn how structured, intentional practice can help singers prepare effectively and confidently. This week’s listener question explores the benefits of singing in mixed versus sectional arrangements, while today’s inspiration features Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Lord, Thou Hast Been Our Refuge, performed by Voices of Ascension. Join us for an episode full of actionable advice and inspiring 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 Choral Director's Toolbox: Episode 4

The Timely and the Timeless

In this week’s episode of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host William Baker explores “The Timely and the Timeless” in music, delving into the distinctions between enduring masterpieces and music of the moment. Gain insights into how craftsmanship, integrity, and inspiration set great music apart. This week’s listener question provides helpful resources for non-music-reading choir members, while today’s inspiration showcases Eriks Esenvalds’ evocative “Northern Lights,” performed by the Choir of Trinity College Cambridge. Join us for another enriching exploration of choral artistry!

The Choral Director's Toolbox: Episode 3

Professionalism in Choral Music

In this week’s episode of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host William Baker reflects on the meaning of “Professionalism in choral music.” Explore the nuances of volunteer versus paid ensembles and discover why dedication, artistry, and commitment define a professional chorus, regardless of compensation. This week’s listener question tackles the practice of anonymous auditions, while today’s inspiration features the breathtaking “Dona Nobis Pacem” from Bach’s Mass in B Minor, performed by the Robert Shaw Chorale. Join us for thought-provoking insights and a celebration of choral excellence!

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!

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!