In the second episode of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host William Baker dives into "Conducting an 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!

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

In this debut episode, host William 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!

Join hosts Dr. William O. Baker, founder of the William Baker Choral Foundation (WBCF) and Dr. Jamea J. Sale, Associate Executive Director of the WBCF and Director of the Institute for Healthy Singing & Voice Research (IHS&VR), for an inspiring special edition episode featuring a remarkable lineup of guests:

* Dr. Andrew Schmidt: Director of the Summer Singers of Atlanta and Fellow of the IHS&VR

* Christine Freeman, MME: Associate Director and Singer/Soloist of the William Baker Festival Singers & Summer Singers of Kansas City and Fellow of the IHS&VR

* Jennifer Lahasky, MME: Past Director of the Summer Singers of Lee’s Summit, Singer/Soloist and Alto Section Leader of the William Baker Festival Singers, and Fellow of the IHS&VR

* Niccole Williams, MME: Associate Director of the Summer Singers of Lee’s Summit, Education Director of the IHS&VR, and Singer/Soloist and Soprano Section Leader of the William Baker Festival Singers

* Dr. Sean Sweeden: Composer in Residence and Fellow of Choral Creativity and Singer/Soloist of the William Baker Festival Singers

* Daniel Baker: Director of Northland Summer Singers, Singer/Soloist and Tenor Section Leader of the William Baker Festival Singers

Each guest shares personal insights about choral music selections that hold special meaning for them this year. From cherished classics to new compositions, this episode is a heartfelt journey through the transformative power of choral music. Tune in to hear music, reflections, and the passion that drives these extraordinary choral leaders!

A choral conversation with Timothy DeWerff, author of "Louder Yet the Chorus Raise!" an Illustrated history of the Yale Glee Club, published to commemorate the group's 150th anniversary.

A choral conversation with past choral interns, Christine Freeman, MME, Megan Moore, Niccole Williams, MME, Emily Fish and Dr. Jamea Sale. Hosted by Dr. William O. Baker & Dr. Jamea J. Sale.

A choral conversation with Christy Elsner, Founder & Director of the Allegro Choirs of Kansas City. Hosted by Dr. William O. Baker & Dr. Jamea J. Sale.

A choral conversation with Dr. Geoffrey Wilcken, composer, conductor, organist, and pianist. Hosted by Dr. William O. Baker & Dr. Jamea J. Sale.

A choral conversation with Sean Sweeden, Composer. Hosted by William Baker & Jamea Sale

A choral conversation with Daniel Belcher, Baritone. Hosted by William Baker & Patrick Neas.

A choral conversation with Soprano Victora Botero. Hosted by William Baker & Patrick Neas.