August 13, 2026 · 25:47 · Dr. William O. Baker
The dress rehearsal is not a preview of the concert. It is the last chance to teach the choir how to be a choir under pressure — timing, silence, and trust.
Programs of The Choral Foundation
Learn
The Foundation exists to form musicians for a lifetime. These resources serve conductors, singers, teachers, and curious listeners through weekly tools, voice-science guidance, and conversations with artists and scholars.
Voice science
Institute for Healthy Singing & Voice Research
Practical teaching, voice science, and continuing education for healthy, sustainable, expressive singing.
New music
Institute for Choral Creativity
An annual composition competition for emerging and underrepresented composers, with premieres in Chicago.
Research
Jane Sullivan Choral Resource Library
One of the largest independent repositories of choral music, recordings, and reference materials in the Midwest.
Mentorship
Choral Interns
Hands-on experience for aspiring conductors at the master’s and doctoral level, with appointments in Kansas City and Atlanta.
Podcast & resources for choir directors
Choral Director’s Toolbox
New episode every Monday
Welcome, choir directors! Each Monday, Dr. William Baker and guests share practical tools for rehearsal, leadership, pedagogy and repertoire to support you in your work. Have a question? Write to Toolbox@choralfoundation.org.
Explore the ToolboxLatest
Institute for Healthy Singing & Voice Research
Vocal Health
Sing for a Lifetime.
Evidence-based guidance for singers, teachers, and conductors — scientific, practical, and written for the rehearsal room. Educational, not medical advice.
Read Vocal HealthLatest
December 2, 2025
Why Matching Vowels Makes Choirs Ring
Understanding the Acoustics Behind Unified Choral Sound Every choral director knows the moment when the choir suddenly locks in. The tone blooms, pitch steadies, and the sound seems to float effortlessly through the
Interviews
Choral Conversations
Conversations with artists, scholars, and leaders in the choral world.
Interviews with conductors, composers, physicians, authors, and Foundation artists, hosted by Dr. William Baker and Dr. Jamea Sale.
Listen to ConversationsLatest
July 15, 2026
Dr. Jeffrey M. Straub
Laryngologist and IHS&VR Fellow
A Kansas City laryngologist talks about what singers actually need from medicine — and what a choir director can do before anyone reaches an exam room.