Podcast & resources for choir directors
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.
New episode every Monday
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77 episodes, newest first
October 14, 2026 · 20:51 · Dr. William O. Baker
So, You Want to Start a Choir? Have you ever dreamed of starting your own choir? This week on The Choral Director’s Toolbox, Dr. William Baker draws on decades of experience founding and leading choral ensembles to…
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.
July 13, 2026 · 19:56 · Dr. Jamea Sale
Can one careless comment silence a singer for nearly half a century? This week, Dr. Jamea Sale shares the remarkable story of a woman who believed she "couldn't sing" for 47 years after a childhood voice teacher…
July 2, 2026 · 18:19 · Dr. William O. Baker
In this special Independence Day edition of "The Choral Director’s Toolbox," host Dr. William Baker reflects on the inseparable relationship between freedom and the choral arts in "Land of the Free." Drawing…
June 15, 2026 · 17:53 · Dr. William O. Baker
In this episode of *The Choral Director’s Toolbox*, host Dr. William Baker offers a deeply personal reflection titled *For the Must of It*. Inspired by the words of Robert Shaw and shaped by his own life experiences,…
June 1, 2026 · 20:21 · Dr. Jamea Sale
Choirs age if they are lucky. The question is whether our rehearsals, keys, and expectations age with the same intelligence as the voices in front of us.
May 25, 2026 · 19:22 · Dr. William O. Baker
In 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,…
May 18, 2026 · 16:52 · Dr. William O. Baker
In 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…
May 11, 2026 · 19:40 · Dr. William O. Baker
Leadership in a choir is not charisma. It is the weekly, unglamorous work of deciding what the room will care about — and refusing to care about everything else.
May 7, 2026 · 21:21 · Dr. Jamea Sale
Here 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…
April 27, 2026 · 21:14 · Dr. William O. Baker
As 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…
April 22, 2026 · 18:47 · Dr. William O. Baker
In 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…
April 13, 2026 · 17:29 · Dr. William O. Baker
In 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…
April 6, 2026 · 21:33 · Dr. Jamea Sale
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…
March 30, 2026 · 17:28 · Dr. William O. Baker
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…
March 23, 2026 · 17:21 · Dr. William O. Baker
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…
March 16, 2026 · 19:34 · Dr. William O. Baker
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…
March 9, 2026 · 16:45 · Dr. William O. Baker
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.…
March 2, 2026 · 17:14 · Dr. Jamea Sale
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…
February 23, 2026 · 15:08 · Dr. William O. Baker
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…
February 16, 2026 · 19:49 · Dr. William O. Baker
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…
February 9, 2026 · 19:26 · Dr. William O. Baker
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…
February 2, 2026 · 15:38 · Dr. William O. Baker
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…
January 26, 2026 · 14:07 · Dr. William O. Baker
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…
January 19, 2026 · 16:30 · Dr. William O. Baker
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…
January 12, 2026 · 22:58 · Dr. William O. Baker
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…
January 6, 2026 · 14:38 · Dr. William O. Baker
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…
December 22, 2025 · 46:19 · Dr. William O. Baker
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…
December 15, 2025 · 21:09 · Dr. William O. Baker
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.…
December 1, 2025 · 19:14 · Dr. William O. Baker
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…
November 24, 2025 · 16:55 · Dr. Jamea Sale
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…
November 17, 2025 · 18:05 · Dr. William O. Baker
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,…
November 9, 2025 · 16:22 · Dr. William O. Baker
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…
November 3, 2025 · 15:36 · Dr. William O. Baker
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…
October 27, 2025 · 20:12 · Dr. William O. Baker
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…
October 20, 2025 · 17:36 · Dr. William O. Baker
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.…
October 13, 2025 · 18:22 · Dr. William O. Baker
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…
October 6, 2025 · 18:06 · Dr. Jamea Sale
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…
September 29, 2025 · 20:41 · Dr. William O. Baker
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…
September 22, 2025 · 16:49 · Dr. William O. Baker
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,…
September 15, 2025 · 16:17 · Dr. William O. Baker
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…
September 8, 2025 · 22:58 · Dr. William O. Baker
In Episode 36 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host Dr. William Baker shares the personal story "Two Teachers, One Kid," honoring the life-changing impact of teachers who believe in their students and reminding us…
September 1, 2025 · 16:07 · Dr. William O. Baker
In Episode 35 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host Dr. William Baker proclaims "Choral Music Isn’t Going Anywhere," challenging the myth that our art form is in decline. Drawing on history, research, and decades of…
August 25, 2025 · 19:15 · Dr. William O. Baker
In Episode 34 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host Dr. William Baker examines The Non-Musical Side of the Audition, highlighting how professionalism, courtesy, and care during auditions shape the reputation of a…
August 18, 2025 · 21:22 · Dr. William O. Baker
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…
August 11, 2025 · 16:27 · Dr. William O. Baker
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…
August 4, 2025 · 15:36 · Dr. William O. Baker
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…
July 29, 2025 · 17:00 · Dr. Jamea Sale
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…
July 21, 2025 · 18:27 · Dr. William O. Baker
Choral Director's Toolbox: Outraged by Outrageous Outrage Ep. 29 by William Baker & Jamea Sale
July 13, 2025 · 21:01 · Dr. William O. Baker
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,…
July 7, 2025 · 21:44 · Dr. William O. Baker
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…
June 30, 2025 · 16:23 · Dr. William O. Baker
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…
June 23, 2025 · 21:00 · Dr. Jamea Sale
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…
June 16, 2025 · 19:21 · Dr. William O. Baker
In Episode 24 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host Dr. William Baker reflects on The Predicament of Beethoven, sharing insights into the composer’s life, suffering, and faith as revealed through his music. Drawing…
June 8, 2025 · 27:25 · Dr. William O. Baker
In Episode 23 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host Dr. William Baker dives into The Naming of Voices, examining the history, assumptions, and consequences behind labeling singers as sopranos, altos, tenors, or…
June 1, 2025 · 17:37 · Dr. William O. Baker
Host William Baker reflects on the decline of civility in public discourse, shares a hilarious essay on swearing by 16-year-old Robert Shaw (yes, that Robert Shaw), and offers personal insight into language,…
May 26, 2025 · 16:56 · Dr. William O. Baker
Dr. William Baker reflects on the vital role of the collaborative pianist and offers practical tips for fostering a respectful and professional working relationship—from score prep to handwritten thank-you notes.…
May 17, 2025 · 17:46 · Dr. Jamea Sale
In Episode 20 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, guest host Dr. Jamea J. Sale, Director of the Institute for Healthy Singing & Voice Research, presents Rehearsal Design with the Voice in Mind. Learn how to structure…
May 11, 2025 · 19:11 · Dr. William O. Baker
In Episode 19 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host Dr. William Baker unpacks the controversy surrounding Austrian or Germanic Latin in Classical-period choral performance. With his signature clarity and wit, Dr.…
May 5, 2025 · 16:56 · Dr. William O. Baker
In Episode 18 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host Dr. William Baker shares practical insights on Commissioning New Music, drawing from decades of experience premiering choral works. From contracts and composer…
April 28, 2025 · 20:16 · Dr. William O. Baker
In Episode 17 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host Dr. William Baker addresses one of the toughest realities in church music leadership: I’ve Been Fired from My Church Position—Now What? Learn how to respond with…
April 22, 2025 · 19:27 · Dr. William O. Baker
In Episode 16 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host Dr. William Baker shares A Baker’s Half Dozen Hints for Building a Parish Choir, offering practical and inspiring strategies to strengthen music ministry in any…
April 14, 2025 · 13:56 · Dr. William O. Baker
In Episode 15 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host Dr. William Baker explores The Orchestral Choral Instrument, urging conductors to approach the choir with the same expectation for metrical precision, rhythmic…
April 3, 2025 · 28:01 · Dr. William O. Baker
In Episode 14 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host Dr. William Baker tackles the timely topic of Voice Lessons for Children, offering vital insights into vocal health, maturity, and age-appropriate musical…
March 29, 2025 · 19:26 · Dr. William O. Baker
In Episode 14 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host Dr. William Baker dives into the theme “Sacred Cows Make the Best Burgers,” examining how long-held assumptions in choral music—like so-called “proper Baroque…
March 9, 2025 · 15:41 · Dr. William O. Baker
In Episode 8 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host Dr. William Baker shares strategies for managing The Frustrating Rehearsal. Learn how to maintain focus and professionalism when things aren’t going as planned.…
March 8, 2025 · 15:09 · Dr. William O. Baker
In Episode 9 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host Dr. William Baker explores The Passion of Precision, emphasizing how technical mastery and emotional expression are inseparable in great choral performance. This…
March 8, 2025 · 22:49 · Dr. William O. Baker
In Episode 7 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host Dr. William Baker shares practical strategies for Making the Most of Practice Between Rehearsals. Learn how structured, intentional practice can help singers…
March 8, 2025 · 19:34 · Dr. William O. Baker
In Episode 6 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host Dr. William O. Baker explores the Language of Spirituals in the African American tradition, shedding light on the cultural and musical significance of these…
March 7, 2025 · 19:25 · Dr. William O. Baker
In Episode 10 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host Dr. William Baker explores The Sacred Harp, tracing its origins from Colonial-era singing schools to its lasting impact on American choral tradition. This week’s…
March 1, 2025 · 15:52 · Dr. William O. Baker
In Episode 12 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host Dr. William Baker reflects on "Ego" in choral leadership—how confidence and humility must coexist to serve the music, the singers, and the composer’s intent. This…
March 1, 2025 · 18:22 · Dr. William O. Baker
In Episode 11 of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host Dr. William Baker explores "Etiquette" in choral rehearsals and performances, highlighting the impact of professionalism, respect, and decorum on the choral…
February 1, 2025 · 18:08 · Dr. William O. Baker
This week on The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host William Baker welcomes Dr. Jamea Sale, Director of the Institute for Healthy Singing and Voice Research, for a special discussion on Prescriptive Choral Training.…
January 10, 2025 · 15:45 · Dr. William O. Baker
In this week’s episode of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host William Baker explores “The Timely and the Timeless” in music, delving into the distinctions between enduring masterpieces and music of the moment. Gain…
January 10, 2025 · 15:15 · Dr. William O. Baker
In this week’s episode of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host William Baker reflects on the meaning of professionalism in choral music. Explore the nuances of volunteer versus paid ensembles and discover why…
January 8, 2025 · 18:18 · Dr. William O. Baker
In the second episode of The Choral Director’s Toolbox, host William Baker dives into "Conducting an Effective Audition." Learn actionable strategies to streamline the audition process, prioritize your ensemble's…
January 3, 2025 · 15:13 · Dr. William O. Baker
Kick off 2025 with the inaugural episode of The Choral Director’s Toolbox! In this debut episode, host William Baker explores “Five Steps to Making Each Rehearsal a Special Occasion,” offering practical strategies to…