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!