Podcast
The Choral Director's Toolbox
Hosted by William Baker & Jamea Sale · EN
This podcast is an educational outreach of the William Baker Choral Foundation in Roeland Park, KS. Visit us at: ChoralFoundation.org, FestivalSingers.org, or HealthySinging.org
14episodes
Episodes
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Lifelong Singing: Helping Older Singers Thrive-Ep. 22
4d ago00:20:21Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, guest presenter Dr. Jamea Sale explores "Lifelong Singing: Helping Older Singers Thrive." Drawing on voice science research and personal experience, Dr. Sale examines the physical, vocal, and social dimensions of aging that affect choral participation. She offers practical strategies for supporting older singers through thoughtful rehearsal design, effective warm-ups, accommodations for hearing and mobility challenges, and meaningful performance opportunities. Most importantly, she reminds us that musical growth, learning, and artistic contribution do not end with age—they continue throughout a lifetime of singing. In today’s listener question, a high school choral teacher asks why Dr. William Baker has long championed the arrangements of Alice Parker. Dr. Baker reflects on Parker’s remarkable gift for authenticity, explaining how her settings of Sacred Harp music, spirituals, and folk songs illuminate the essence of the original material while preserving its character and spirit. Today’s inspiration is Alice Parker’s masterful arrangement of "Wondrous Love," performed by The William Baker Festival Singers under the direction of Christine Freeman from the 2019 Amber Waves recording "True Religion." A beloved example of Parker’s artistry, the work combines expressive beauty with profound respect for the American folk tradition. Join us for a thoughtful conversation about healthy aging, lifelong musicianship, and the enduring joy of singing in community. Submit your question to The Choral Director's Toolbox by writing to us at [Toolbox@FestivalSingers.org](mailto:Toolbox@FestivalSingers.org).
Transcribe →I Have a New Job-Now What? - Ep. 21-26
2w ago00:19:22Tap to summarizeIn this Memorial Day edition of "The Choral Director’s Toolbox," host Dr. William Baker offers practical advice in "I Have a New Job — Now What?" Geared toward conductors beginning new positions in churches, schools, and community ensembles, Dr. Baker shares ten strategies for building trust, establishing professionalism, and creating momentum from the very first day. From handwritten thank-you notes and thoughtful preparation to decisive leadership and clear communication, this episode is filled with practical wisdom for launching a successful tenure. In today’s listener question, a community chorus director asks how to design an effective end-of-season survey. Dr. Baker discusses the value of honest feedback, the limitations of anonymous responses, and the importance of asking concise, meaningful questions that lead to useful insight and organizational growth. Today’s inspiration is William Billings’ spirited "O Praise the Lord of Heaven," performed by The Western Wind from their NAXOS recording "I Am the Rose of Sharon," a lively and distinctly American expression of early choral artistry well suited to the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations. Join us for an episode on leadership, first impressions, communication, and the practical foundations of successful choral work. Submit your question to The Choral Director's Toolbox by writing to us at Toolbox@FestivalSingers.org.
Transcribe →Performance Regrets-Ep. 20-26
3w ago00:16:52Tap to summarizeIn this episode of *The Choral Director’s Toolbox*, host Dr. William Baker offers a candid and deeply personal reflection in *Performance Regrets*. Recounting a difficult festival performance that fell short of its artistic potential, Dr. Baker explores the painful reality that even experienced conductors sometimes make decisions that compromise excellence. With honesty and humility, he examines the lessons learned from vocal fatigue, over-scheduling, and the weight of artistic responsibility—ultimately reminding us that disappointment hurts precisely because the work matters so deeply. In today’s listener question, a conductor preparing to lead a massive combined chorus and concert band in *Battle Hymn of the Republic* seeks advice for keeping a large ensemble together with minimal rehearsal time. Dr. Baker shares practical guidance on clarity, preparation, memorization, and the importance of steady leadership in high-pressure community events. Today’s inspiration is Ralph Vaughan Williams’ beloved anthem *O How Amiable*, performed by The William Baker Festival Singers from their 1995 recording *People of God*—a warm and graceful setting drawn from Psalms 84 and 90. Join us for an honest and thoughtful episode on artistic responsibility, resilience, and the enduring love that drives choral musicianship. Submit your question to The Choral Director's Toolbox by writing to us at Toolbox@FestivalSingers.org.
Transcribe →What Do Leaders Do?-Ep. 19-26
4w ago00:19:40Tap to summarizeIn this episode of "The Choral Director’s Toolbox," host Dr. William Baker explores the question "What Do Leaders Do?" Reflecting on decades of experience in building ensembles, organizations, and educational initiatives, Dr. Baker examines the deeper responsibilities of choral leadership both on and off the podium. From taking responsibility and listening well to serving others with generosity and discipline, this thoughtful episode offers practical wisdom and personal reflection for conductors, administrators, and anyone seeking to lead with integrity and vision. In today’s listener question, a frustrated board member asks how to handle an overreaching board president whose interference is damaging morale and threatening the stability of the organization. Dr. Baker responds with candid advice about governance, bylaws, professional boundaries, and the difficult realities of organizational leadership. Today’s inspiration is "Glorious Everlasting" by M. Thomas Cousins, performed by The Mountain Park Choir under the direction of Dr. Baker with Trey Clegg at the organ, a thrilling and celebratory anthem especially fitting for Trinity Sunday. Join us for an insightful and deeply practical conversation about leadership, service, and the qualities that sustain healthy choral organizations. Submit your question to The Choral Director's Toolbox by writing to us at Toolbox@FestivalSingers.org
Transcribe →Conditioning for Athletic Singing-Ep. 18-2026
4w ago00:21:21Tap to summarizeHere is the blurb for this episode: In this episode of "The Choral Director’s Toolbox," Dr. Jamea Sale explores "Helping Singers Condition for Athletic Singing," examining the science of vocal endurance through the lens of exercise physiology and voice research. Drawing on principles of vocal load management, respiratory coordination, laryngeal efficiency, and recovery, Dr. Sale explains how singers can build sustainable endurance for demanding repertoire and performance schedules. From semi-occluded vocal tract exercises to structured rehearsal pacing, this practical discussion offers choral directors and singers concrete strategies for developing healthy, resilient voices. In today’s listener question, Dr. William Baker responds to concerns about burnout and work-life balance in the demanding world of choral leadership. With warmth and perspective, he reflects on gratitude, intentional rest, and the importance of remembering why we chose this life in music. Today’s inspiration is Alice Parker’s arrangement of "A Charge to Keep," performed by the Robert Shaw Chorale from their 1967 RCA Victor recording "Sing to the Lord," a sturdy and deeply expressive setting of Charles Wesley’s timeless hymn text. Join us for an encouraging and insightful episode on endurance, recovery, and sustaining both the voice and the spirit in a lifetime of choral music. Submit your question to The Choral Director's Toolbox by writing to us at Toolbox@FestivalSingers.org.
Transcribe →Your Parish Choir in the Summer - Ep. 17-2026
Apr 2700:21:14Tap to summarizeAs many parish choirs wind down for the summer months, Dr. William Baker offers a compelling and practical case for sustaining vibrant choral leadership in worship all year long. In this episode, he challenges the growing trend of “summer recess,” reframing the choir’s role as a continuous ministry rather than a seasonal activity. With thoughtful insight and actionable strategies, he explores how choirs can adapt their structure, rehearse efficiently, and even use the summer as a time for recruitment and renewed engagement. Today’s Question addresses a common challenge for community choruses: how to end the season with energy and purpose rather than fatigue and decline. Dr. Baker shares strategies for boosting attendance, fostering celebration, and creating meaningful culminating experiences that leave singers inspired for the next season. Today’s Inspiration features O Sifuni Mungu, a vibrant and rhythmic choral work blending Swahili praise traditions with the text All Creatures of Our God and King. This spirited performance by the William Baker Festival Singers captures the joy and vitality of communal song. Submit your question to The Choral Director's Toolbox by writing to us at Toolbox@FestivalSingers.org.
Transcribe →Improving Your Choir's Intonation Pt 2 - Ep. 16 2026
Apr 2200:18:47Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host Dr. William Baker continues his exploration of "Improving Your Choir’s Intonation Part 2", shifting from prevention to practical correction. Drawing on the legacy of Robert Shaw and decades of rehearsal experience, he offers concrete strategies for addressing chronic tuning issues, including developing pitch memory, refining the collective ear, and using tools such as unison singing, open intervals, and Bach chorales. With clarity and urgency, Dr. Baker emphasizes that intonation must be cultivated intentionally through disciplined rehearsal practices. In today’s listener question, Dr. Baker responds to a common inquiry about donating unused choral scores to the Sullivan Choral Library, turning the discussion into a broader reflection on stewardship, optimism, and the future of choral programs. Today’s inspiration is The Dream Isaiah Saw by Glenn Rudolph, performed by The Washington Chorus under the direction of Julian Wachner, a powerful and hopeful work shaped in the shadow of 9/11. Join us for an insightful episode on tuning, teaching, and the enduring belief in the future of choral music. Submit your question to The Choral Director's Toolbox by writing to us at Toolbox@FestivalSingers.org.
Transcribe →Improving Your Choir’s Intonation Pt 1 - Ep. 15-2026
Apr 1300:17:29Tap to summarizeIn this episode of *The Choral Director’s Toolbox*, host Dr. William Baker addresses one of the most fundamental elements of choral excellence in *Improving Your Choir’s Intonation*. Using vivid analogies and decades of experience, he reframes tuning issues not as isolated problems, but as symptoms of deeper concerns in vocal placement, tension, and ensemble discipline. With a focus on “preventative medicine,” Dr. Baker offers practical strategies from thoughtful auditioning and proper voice placement to disciplined listening and reduced reliance on the piano, that help build a consistently centered and resonant choral sound. In today’s listener question, a director asks how long rehearsals should last. Dr. Baker provides clear and practical guidance, emphasizing pacing, efficiency, and respect for singers’ time as the keys to productive and engaging rehearsals. Today’s inspiration is Alice Parker’s dynamic arrangement of the spiritual "John Saw the Number," performed by the Robert Shaw Chorale, a masterclass in precision, balance, and expressive control. Join us for an insightful episode on tuning, technique, and the disciplined artistry that brings choral music to life. Submit a listener question to Toolbox@FestivalSingers.org.
Transcribe →When Vibrato is Manufactured - Ep. 14-26
Apr 600:21:33Tap to summarizeIn 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.
Transcribe →Choral Interns - Ep. 13-2026
Mar 3000:17:28Tap to summarizeIn 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.
Transcribe →