Quitting With Integrity

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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.

Episode February 9, 2026 - 6

The Choral Director's Toolbox

The Benefits of Ritual and Traditions

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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 Choral Director's Toolbox

The Choir Festival

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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.

The Choral Director's Toolbox

Motivation

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In this week’s episode of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, Dr. William Baker reflects on Motivation. One of the perennial challenges of choral leadership is taining 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.

The Choral Director's Toolbox

The Juggler

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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.

The Choral Director's Toolbox

Finding the BIG in the SMALL

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Welcome to the first Choral Director’s Toolbox episode of 2026. This week, host Dr. 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.

A reflective and practical start to the new year—perfect for choral directors seeking clarity, balance, and purpose as rehearsals resume.

2025 Christmas Special

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2025 Christmas Special

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.

Fan Favorites of 2025: Damns of Distinction, The Pearly Gates Tavern, and Professionalism

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Damns of Distinction, The Pearly Gates Tavern, and Professionalism

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.

The Ghosts of Christmas Presents

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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.

From Pattern to Purpose: Listening Like a Conductor

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In Episode 47 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, guest presenter Jamea J. Sale, PhD, 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.

Christmas Collaborations

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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.

Considerations for Handel’s Messiah

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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.

When Something Goes Wrong

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In Episode 44 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host Dr. William Baker shares real-world wisdom in When Something Goes Wrong, exploring how choral conductors can respond with grace, calm, and professionalism when the unexpected happens on stage. From missed entrances to fainting singers, Dr. Baker offers strategies for maintaining focus and dignity during live performance. This week’s listener question debates the ideal size of conducting patterns—small, contained gestures versus broader, more expressive ones—reminding us that context is key. Today’s inspiration is Thomas Tallis’s timeless A New Commandment, performed by The Tallis Scholars. Join us for a practical and inspiring episode on resilience, artistry, and composure in the face of chaos.

Money-Ball

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In Episode 43 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host Dr. William Baker reflects on Money-Ball, exploring what professional sports can teach the arts about value, economics, and perspective. He challenges arts leaders to rethink attitudes toward wealth, business, and success—reminding us that the prosperity of one sector often fuels the sustainability of another. This week’s listener question tackles the difficult process of replacing an accompanist who isn’t meeting expectations, with practical and compassionate guidance for directors facing tough personnel decisions. Today’s inspiration is Byron Smith’s rousing gospel anthem Worthy to Be Praised, performed by The William Baker Festival Singers. Join us for a candid, thought-provoking, and uplifting episode on leadership, stewardship, and gratitude.

Choral Communication

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In Episode 42 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host Dr. William Baker shares insights on Choral Communication, inspired by the weekly letters of legendary conductor Robert Shaw. Drawing from Shaw’s example, Dr. Baker reflects on the enduring power of thoughtful, personal correspondence to build trust, foster community, and deepen musical artistry—even in a digital age. This week’s listener question comes from a church music director seeking guidance on selecting hymns for worship services, with practical tips for balancing familiarity, singability, and thematic relevance. Today’s inspiration is Stephen Paulus’ beloved arrangement of The Road Home, performed by The William Baker Festival Singers. Join us for an episode that celebrates connection—through music, words, and shared purpose.

Robert Shaw’s Counting Method

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In Episode 41 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host Dr. William Baker revisits one of Robert Shaw’s most enduring rehearsal techniques, Count Singing. Learn how this disciplined approach to rhythm, phrasing, and ensemble unity transforms both precision and expression, helping singers internalize metrical integrity before adding text. This week’s listener question considers whether printed programs are still worth the effort in an increasingly digital age. Today’s inspiration is Wendell Whalum’s powerful arrangement of the spiritual Sweet Home, performed by The William Baker Festival Singers in Helzberg Hall. Join us for an episode that blends timeless technique, practical wisdom, and musical depth.

Directors as Embodied Models: Seeing, Mirroring, and Sounding

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In Episode 40 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, guest presenter Dr. Jamea J. Sale, Director of the Institute for Healthy Singing & Voice Research, explores Directors as Embodied Models: Seeing, Mirroring, and Sounding. Drawing on research in mirror neurons and motor learning, Dr. Sale explains how singers unconsciously mirror their conductor’s facial and physical cues, and how awareness, body mapping, and intentional modeling can transform ensemble tone, ease, and expressivity. This week’s listener question clarifies the proper role of a Board of Directors in artistic matters, and today’s inspiration is Eric Whitacre’s electrifying Cloudburst,performed with eight-part choir, piano, bells, and percussion. Join us for a fascinating blend of science, artistry, and leadership insight.

The Language of Spirituals

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In Episode 39 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host Dr. William Baker takes on The Language of Spirituals, examining how conductors can approach this treasured repertoire with integrity, respect, and scholarship. From questions of dialect and diction to the politics of performance, Dr. Baker argues for historical authenticity over political correctness. This week’s listener question revisits the challenge of Christmas programming, asking whether seasonal music should be moved to other times of year. Today’s inspiration is Pacem, a moving setting of Dona Nobis Pacem by Atlanta composer Karin R. Banks, performed by the New South Festival Singers at the Piccolo Spoleto Festival. Join us for a thought-provoking episode on language, history, and the living power of choral music.

Don’t Hum the Pitch

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In Episode 38 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host Dr. William Baker warns against a common but harmful habit in Don’t Hum the Pitch, explaining why silent preparation leads to healthier onsets, better focus, and more accurate ensemble singing. This week’s listener question takes on the challenge of balancing Christmas programming with pressures to reduce sacred content, underscoring the importance of artistic freedom. Today’s inspiration is Moses Hogan’s electrifying arrangement of the spiritual Battle of Jericho, performed by The William Baker Festival Singers. Join us for an episode blending practical rehearsal wisdom with a strong stand for integrity in choral art.

The Case for Inefficiency

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In Episode 37 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host Dr. William Baker makes The Case for Inefficiency, challenging the idea that rigidly scheduled rehearsals always yield the best results. He shares why flexibility, exploration, and a willingness to linger in the music often lead to deeper artistry and more memorable performances. This week’s listener question asks whether it is ethical, or even legal, to modify a composer’s music, with Dr. Baker offering practical and thoughtful guidance. Today’s inspiration is the spiritual I Been in the Storm, arranged by Robert DeCormier and performed by The William Baker Festival Singers.