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.

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.

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.

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In Episode 30 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, guest host Dr. Jamea J. 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.

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.

Choral Director's Toolbox Ep 29: Outraged by Outrageous Outrage by William Baker & Jamea Sale

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.

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!

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.

In Episode 25 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, guest presenter Dr. Jamea Sale, Executive Associate Director of the Choral Foundation and Director of the Institute for Healthy Singing & Voice Research, explores the science and artistry of Stage Arrangements. Learn how singer placement affects blend, vocal health, and ensemble cohesion—and why circumambient spacing might be the game-changer your choir needs. This week’s listener question tackles the ideal length and role of warm-ups—reframed as Choral Training—in a two-hour rehearsal. Today’s inspiration is Herbert Howells’ stunning Take Him, Earth, for Cherishing, performed by the Choir of Trinity College Cambridge. Join us for a thoughtful episode at the intersection of acoustics, pedagogy, and people.