The Choral Director's Toolbox

In this episode of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, Dr. Jamea Sale explores a critical and often misunderstood aspect of vocal pedagogy in "When Vibrato Is Manufactured." Drawing on voice science and practical observation, she challenges the common impulse to “teach” vibrato through physical manipulation, instead reframing it as a natural byproduct of efficient vocal coordination. With clarity and precision, Dr. Sale offers valuable insight for both voice teachers and choral directors seeking healthy, sustainable sound development. In today’s listener question, Dr. William Baker addresses the increasing use of iPads and tablets in choral settings, offering a balanced perspective on their usefulness in rehearsal alongside important considerations for maintaining professionalism and visual integrity in performance. Today’s inspiration is "Ain’t No Grave Can Hold My Body Down," arranged by Paul Caldwell and Sean Ivory, a vibrant and rhythmically compelling gospel setting that brings both challenge and energy to advanced choral ensembles. Join us for a thoughtful and practical conversation on vocal health, pedagogy, and the evolving tools of the choral art. Submit your question to The Choral Director's Toolbox by writing to us at Toolbox@FestivalSingers.org.

In this episode of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, Dr. William Baker reflects on the vital role of mentorship and leadership development in "Choral Interns." Drawing from more than four decades of experience, he outlines how thoughtful internship programs can shape the next generation of choral conductors, emphasizing meaningful podium time, comprehensive artistic involvement, and the responsibility of today’s leaders to invest in those who will carry the art forward. In today’s listener question, a conductor grapples with how to respond to an unfair concert review. Dr. Baker offers practical and gracious guidance, encouraging professionalism, perspective, and proactive communication with members of the press. Today’s inspiration is "Easter Morning" by Olaf Christiansen, performed by The St. Olaf Choir under the direction of Kenneth Jennings. Enjoy a simple and elegant anthem well suited for the Sunday following Easter. Join us for a thoughtful discussion on mentorship, leadership, and the long view of building a lasting choral legacy. Submit your question to The Choral Director's Toolbox by writing to us at Toolbox@FestivalSingers.org.

In Episode 64 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host Dr. William Baker turns his attention to one of the most essential elements of choral success: Community Chorus Recruitment. With practical strategies and decades of experience, he outlines how to attract, engage, and retain high-quality singers, emphasizing the importance of visibility, preparation, and meaningful community connection. From leveraging music educators and local networks to creating entry-point ensembles like summer choirs, this episode offers a roadmap for building vibrant and sustainable choral programs. This week’s listener question takes a lighter turn, as a choir member asks Dr. Baker for his annual baseball predictions. In response, he shares his enthusiasm for the game, drawing connections between music, teamwork, and the joy of performance. Today’s inspiration is Out of the Deep from John Rutter’s Requiem, performed by The William Baker Festival Singers from their 2015 Amber Waves recording, a powerful and expressive work suited for advanced ensembles. Submit your question to The Choral Director's Toolbox by writing to us at Toolbox@FestivalSingers.org.

In this episode of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, Dr. William Baker explores the enduring partnership between churches and civic choral organizations in "Churches & Civic Choirs: A Match Made in Heaven." Drawing on decades of experience with community ensembles, he reflects on why church venues remain ideal spaces for choral performances, offering acoustics, instruments, seating, and a spirit of hospitality that supports both artistic excellence and community engagement. Just as importantly, he outlines practical guidelines for building respectful, mutually beneficial partnerships between choirs and congregations. In today’s listener question, a board member asks how an organization should respond when a donor’s conduct threatens the reputation and safety of the ensemble. Dr. Baker provides clear and decisive advice about protecting the organization’s integrity while taking appropriate legal and administrative steps. Today’s inspiration is John Ireland’s moving anthem "Greater Love Hath No Man," performed by the Choir of Trinity College, Cambridge under the direction of Stephen Layton, a work of profound tenderness and beauty well suited for the Easter season. Submit your question to The Choral Director's Toolbox by writing to us at Toolbox@FestivalSingers.org.

In this episode of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host Dr. William Baker reflects on "Choral Accessibility for the Visually Impaired," sharing a personal story from his years directing a large suburban church choir. Through the experience of welcoming blind singers into the ensemble, Dr. Baker explores practical strategies and resources that allow visually impaired musicians to participate fully in the choral experience. With thoughtful preparation, creative rehearsal practices, and the use of services such as the Library of Congress National Library Service for the Blind, choirs can become more inclusive communities where every singer’s gifts are valued and supported. Contact information for the National Library Services for the Blind is 888-657-7323 or nlsm@loc.gov. This week’s listener question comes from Wayne, a community chorus director in Ohio who is struggling with negative comments from his predecessor. Dr. Baker offers steady counsel on professionalism, patience, and leadership, reminding directors that graciousness and consistent artistic excellence are the most effective responses to criticism. Today’s inspiration blends two powerful spirituals: Andre Thomas’s arrangement of "Keep Your Lamps" and the African praise song "Oh Freedom," heard together in a spirited performance by the William Baker Festival Singers from their 2015 Amber Waves recording "Wondrous Love." Submit your question to The Choral Director's Toolbox by writing to us at Toolbox@FestivalSingers.org.

In this episode of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, guest presenter Dr. Jamea Sale offers a compelling reflection titled ,"Enough Said." Drawing on principles of motor learning and rehearsal efficiency, Dr. Sale explores the power of nonverbal teaching and the discipline of saying less in order to achieve more. Through a vivid rehearsal example, she demonstrates how clear gesture, focused repetition, and singer agency can refine ensemble sound without overloading cognitive bandwidth. Sometimes the most effective instruction is simply… enough said. This week’s listener question comes from Laura in Alabama, who asks for clarification on the proper role of a choral organization’s board of directors. Dr. William Baker outlines the four essential responsibilities of a board—fundraising, fiduciary oversight, visibility, and reputation—while firmly affirming that artistic matters must remain in the hands of artistic leadership. Today’s inspiration is Randall Thompson’s The Road Not Taken from Frostiana, performed by The William Baker Festival Singers from their 2008 album American Voices

In this episode of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host Dr. William Baker advocated to "Rehearse with the End in Mind," adapting Stephen Covey’s timeless principle to the art of rehearsal planning. With practical wisdom drawn from decades on the podium, Dr. Baker discusses time management, strategic pacing, and the discipline required to prepare an entire program within limited rehearsal hours without creating unnecessary stress for singers. This week’s listener question comes from Dale in San Diego, who asks how to respond when a performance does not go well. Drawing inspiration from Olympic figure skating and the joyful artistry of gold medalist Alysa Liu, Dr. Baker reflects on humility, resilience, and the professional grace required in both triumph and disappointment. To submit your question to The Choral Director’s Toolbox, write to us at Toolbox@FestivalSingers.org. Today’s inspiration is Thomas Tallis’ "O Lord, in Thee Is All My Trust," performed by The Tallis Scholars under the direction of Peter Phillips, a luminous and fitting selection for the Lenten season. Join us for an episode on preparation, perspective, and the enduring pursuit of excellence in choral art.

This week on The Choral Director’s Toolbox, William Baker addresses a topic many conductors would rather avoid: liability. Sparked by an attempted legal claim from a volunteer singer, Today’s Topic outlines practical, essential safeguards every choral organization—large or small—should have in place. From insurance and written contracts to audition documentation and youth protection policies, this episode offers clear, prudent guidance to protect your ensemble, your leadership, and your mission. In Today’s Question, a church music director asks about forming a hymn selection committee. The answer is direct, thought-provoking, and sure to spark conversation about professional leadership, liturgical integrity, and the purpose of congregational song. Today’s Inspiration features “He’ll Make a Way” by Byron Smith, performed by the William Baker Festival Singers—a vibrant gospel selection for SATB choir with piano and optional rhythm section.

In this week’s episode of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, William Baker addresses a difficult but important reality of choral life: when and how to step away from an ensemble with honesty, professionalism, and integrity. Framing choral participation as a covenantal relationship, he offers thoughtful guidance for singers and leaders facing unavoidable changes, conflict, or resignation, emphasizing the long-term impact such decisions have on people, institutions, and the art itself. Today’s Topic explores best practices for resigning responsibly, minimizing disruption, communicating truthfully, honoring commitments whenever possible, and preserving relationships within the choral community. Today’s Question considers the role of printed concert programs, balancing cost, content, and promotional value, with practical recommendations for what information best serves both audiences and organizations. Today’s Inspiration features O Crux by Knut Nystedt, performed by the St. Olaf Choir under the direction of Kenneth Jennings.

In this week’s episode of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, William Baker explores the powerful role that ritual and tradition play in shaping the identity, continuity, and emotional life of a choral ensemble. Through personal reflection and long-standing practices of the Festival Singers, he illustrates how shared traditions create belonging, reinforce values, and inspire renewed commitment to excellence across generations of singers. Today’s Topic examines how intentional rituals foster pride, connection, and continuity within a choral “family,” and why it is the responsibility of the ensemble’s leader to protect and honor these traditions. Today’s Question addresses the practical challenge of lost rehearsals due to severe weather, offering thoughtful strategies for planning, recovery, and—most importantly—ensuring singer safety. Today’s Inspiration features "Wessobrunn Prayer" by Edmund Joliffe, performed by the William Baker Festival Singers. The episode concludes with updates on upcoming Festival Singers performances and continuing work of the Choral Foundation.

In this week’s episode of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, Dr. William Baker reflects on the unique power of the choir festival as both an artistic catalyst and a strategic tool for community engagement. Drawing from a recent multi-ensemble festival experience, he explores how thoughtfully curated choral gatherings can energize singers, expand audiences, strengthen inter-ensemble relationships, and provide invaluable promotional momentum for every participating organization. Today’s Question addresses repertoire selection for folk, spiritual, and multicultural music, with a focused discussion on authenticity as the single most important criterion in choosing arrangements. Today’s Inspiration features Moses Hogan's powerful spiritual "My God Is So High," performed by the William Baker Festival Singers.

In this week’s episode of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, Dr. William Baker reflects on one of the perennial challenges of choral leadership: sustaining motivation during the long, gray stretch of winter. Drawing from decades of professional experience, he reminds us that motivation is created by keeping singers engaged, performing regularly, and feeling the forward momentum of meaningful work. Today’s Topic explores practical strategies for maintaining ensemble energy through consistent performance opportunities, creative community engagement, and visible leadership commitment. Today’s Question takes a turn toward listening habits, as William shares his rediscovered love for vinyl recordings and offers practical guidance for anyone interested in building a satisfying home LP setup. Today’s Inspiration features James Erb’s beloved arrangement of Shenandoah, performed by the St. Olaf Choir under the direction of Kenneth Jennings. Submit a listener question to Toolbox@FestivalSingers.org.

This week on The Choral Director’s Toolbox, William Baker reflects on “The Juggler,” a powerful reminder that excellence in conducting, and in life, comes from personal responsibility, perseverance, and a willingness to do the hard work, even after dropping the balls thousands of times. In Today’s Question, a church music director asks how to navigate conflict and competition surrounding solo opportunities. The response offers clear, practical guidance for restoring unity, refocusing on service, and rebuilding a healthy choral culture. Today’s Inspiration features "Good Friday Anthems" by Russell Schulz-Widmar, performed by the William Baker Festival Singers. The selection is haunting, spare, and deeply moving music that rewards thoughtful, committed singing. Submit a listener question to Toolbox@FestivalSingers.org

Welcome to the first Choral Director’s Toolbox episode of 2026. This week, host William Baker reflects on resolutions. Not the grand, sweeping kind, but the small, intentional practices that can lead to meaningful change in our lives and our choral communities. From quiet preparation before rehearsal to intentional care for singers and colleagues, this episode invites conductors to begin the year grounded, generous, and focused. In Today’s Question, a first-year community chorus director asks how publicly sharing political opinions may affect leadership, recruitment, and community trust. The response offers thoughtful guidance on balancing personal convictions with professional responsibility. Today’s Inspiration features “The Glory of the Father” by Norwegian composer Egil Hovland, performed by the William Baker Festival Singers, a luminous a cappella work well suited for Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany. New episodes every Monday morning. Submit a listener question to Toolbox@FestivalSingers.org.

As we come to the close of the year, The Choral Director’s Toolbox offers a special Christmas edition, airing December 22 and again on December 29. In place of our usual format, Dr. William Baker invites members of the Choral Foundation faculty to share Christmas-time choral works that hold deep personal and musical meaning. This reflective and joyful episode features favorite seasonal selections introduced by Thomas Dixon, Jennifer Lahasky, James Cordell, Dr. Jamea Sale, Ed Frazier Davis, Christine Freeman, and Dr. Baker himself. From quiet wonder and tender lullabies to prophetic hope and gospel exuberance, these pieces illuminate the many emotional and spiritual dimensions of Christmas. With no listener question and no single “Today’s Inspiration,” this special edition becomes a curated musical meditation that honors memory, community, and the enduring power of choral song. We invite you to listen, reflect, and return to it again as the year turns and a new season begins.

In this special Episode 50 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, we pause at year’s end to reflect on the ideas that resonated most deeply with our listeners in 2025. This retrospective episode revisits three of Dr. William Baker’s most beloved topic presentations: Damns of Distinction, The Pearly Gates Tavern, and Professionalism. Together, these reflections offer wisdom, humor, and timeless perspective on leadership, artistry, and the values that shape choral excellence. This episode stands as a thoughtful moment of reflection celebrating the conversations, convictions, and craftsmanship that continue to define The Choral Director’s Toolbox.

In Episode 48 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host Dr. William Baker takes a lighthearted but meaningful look at "The Ghosts of Christmas Presents," the sometimes awkward expectations surrounding holiday gift-giving in choirs and music programs. With warmth and humor, Dr. Baker shares lessons learned from experience and offers practical ways to foster genuine gratitude and generosity in the season of giving. This week’s listener question tackles concert etiquette. How to help audiences understand and enjoy the concert experience with grace and good manners. Today’s inspiration is Donald Fraser’s elegant setting of "This Christmastide" (Jessye’s Carol), performed by The William Baker Festival Singers from their album Images of Wonder. Join us for an episode full of warmth and wisdom for the holiday season.

In Episode 47 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, leads an engaging discussion titled "From Pattern to Purpose: Listening Like a Conductor." Dr. Sale explores one of the greatest challenges for emerging conductors—learning to listen actively while maintaining clarity of gesture—and offers practical strategies for developing diagnostic listening, clear communication, and confidence both on and off the podium. This week’s listener question addresses the widespread issue of unhealthy children’s singing heard in media, calling for advocacy and education in vocal health. Today’s inspiration is Paul Manz’s beloved motet "E’en So, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come," performed by The William Baker Festival Singers. Join us for a thoughtful and inspiring episode on mindful musicianship and leadership.

In Episode 46 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host Dr. William Baker shares timely insights in Christmas Collaborations, exploring how partnerships between adult, youth, and children’s choirs enrich performances, build audiences, and inspire future generations of singers. Drawing on decades of experience, Dr. Baker outlines practical strategies for successful collaborations—from programming and logistics to etiquette and engagement. This week’s listener question asks for meaningful reading recommendations for a post-Christmas music director’s retreat, with reflections on The Robert Shaw Reader and On Love by Pope Benedict XVI. Today’s inspiration is Aaron Copland’s radiant The Promise of Living from The Tender Land, performed by the Turtle Creek Chorale. Join us for an episode filled with wisdom, gratitude, and musical joy.

In Episode 45 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host Dr. William Baker offers timeless insights in Considerations for Handel’s Messiah, drawing from decades of conducting experience. From editions and orchestration to soloist selection and performance practice, Dr. Baker shares practical wisdom for achieving clarity, authenticity, and joy in this beloved oratorio. This week’s listener question asks whether producing CDs still makes sense in a streaming world—leading to a discussion on the lasting value of recordings as both art and promotion. Today’s inspiration is Alice Parker’s heartfelt setting of O Thou in Whose Presence, performed by The William Baker Festival Singers in Helzberg Hall. Join us for an episode rich with historical perspective, practical artistry, and love for the choral tradition.