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Latest episodes from Choral Conversations

Choral Director's Toolbox: Episode 22-Damns of Distinction?

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2025 17:37


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, leadership, and the rehearsal podium. This episode also explores the many benefits of touring with your choir and features Eleanor Daley's luminous “Upon Your Heart.” Submit a listener question to Toolbox@FestivalSingers.org.

Choral Director's Toolbox: Episode 21 -Caring for Your Collaborative Pianist

Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2025 16:56


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. Plus: a thoughtful response to a listener navigating choral diction in German, and this week's musical inspiration, Sing and Ponder by Larry Fleming. Submit a listener question to Toolbox@FestivalSingers.org

Choral Director's Toolbox: Ep. 20 - Rehearsal Design with the Voice in Mind

Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2025 17:46


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 rehearsals that balance vocal load, prevent fatigue, and promote healthy, expressive singing. This week's listener question addresses whether humming pitches in concert is a valid substitute for using a pitch pipe. Today's inspiration is the spirited Swedish piece Sköna Maj, performed by the New South Festival Singers at the Piccolo Spoleto Festival. Join us for a voice-savvy and musically enriching episode! Submit a listener question to Toolbox@FestivalSingers.org.

Choral Directors Toolbox: Episode 19 - Austrian or Germanic Latin

Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2025 19:11


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. Baker challenges conventional assumptions and offers practical insight on pronunciation for clarity and expression. This week's listener question addresses ideal seating—or no seating at all—for choral rehearsals. Today's inspiration features Mozart's majestic Kyrie from the Great Mass in C Minor, performed by The William Baker Festival Singers. Tune in for a thoughtful and invigorating episode!

Choral Directors Toolbox: Episode 18-Commissioning New Music

Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2025 16:56


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 relationships to rehearsal planning and premiere logistics, this episode is a must-listen for conductors considering the rewarding adventure of new music creation. This week's listener question invites Dr. Baker's recommended summer reading list for conductors and music lovers. Today's inspiration is Norman Dello Joio's lush setting of Come to Me, My Love, performed by The William Baker Festival Singers. Join us for a rich episode of creativity, reflection, and choral artistry.

Choral Conversations: A Conversation with Otolaryngologist, Dr. Jeffrey Straub, Fellow of the IHS&VR

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2025 37:15


In this insightful episode, Dr. William Baker and Dr. Jamea Sale speak with Dr. Jeffrey Straub, fellowship-trained laryngologist and Fellow of the Institute for Healthy Singing & Voice Research. Dr. Straub discusses the anatomy of the voice, common vocal pathologies, and the role of medical intervention and vocal hygiene in maintaining a healthy singing voice. Whether you're a professional vocalist or a dedicated choir member, this conversation demystifies the science behind vocal health and offers practical tips for protecting your voice for life.

The Choral Director's Toolbox: Episode 17-I've Been Fired from My Church Position—Now What?

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2025 20:16


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 professionalism, protect your future, and move forward after an unexpected termination. This week's listener question discusses strategies for dealing with negativity in a choral ensemble. Today's inspiration features Samuel Barber's powerful Agnus Dei, performed by The William Baker Festival Singers. Tune in for an honest, practical, and encouraging conversation about resilience in the choral profession.

The Choral Director's Toolbox: Episode 16-A Baker's Half Dozen Hints for Building a Parish Choir

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2025 19:27


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 church setting. From chant and Bach chorales to sight-reading, a cappella singing, and even eliminating weeknight rehearsals, this episode is filled with field-tested wisdom. This week's listener question comes from a new director seeking advice for the beginning of a choral career. Today's inspiration is Richard Wayne Dirksen's Christ Our Passover, performed by the Trinity Choir of Trinity Wall Street. Don't miss this energizing episode for church musicians and choral leaders alike!

The Choral Director's Toolbox: Episode 15-The Orchestral Choral Instrument

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2025 13:56


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 clarity, and expressive articulation typically reserved for orchestral sections. Learn why energized consonants and pure vowels must be mastered before a chorus can effectively join forces with an orchestra—and why the music itself must be conducted, not just the singers. This week's listener question delves into the rehearsal real estate of programming choral music. Today's inspiration features "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" arranged by Gilbert Martin, performed by The William Baker Festival Singers from their 2002 "Sing and Ponder" album. Tune in for another episode of practical insight and choral inspiration.

The Choral Director's Toolbox: Episode 14-Voice Lessons for Children

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2025 28:01


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 instruction. Learn why early voice lessons can pose risks to young singers, and discover healthier alternatives that nurture musical growth. This week's listener question evaluates the pros and cons of “Carnegie Hall” mass choir invitations. Today's inspiration is Allegri's transcendent Miserere Mei, performed by the Cambridge Singers under Sir John Rutter. Join us for a thoughtful episode bridging vocal wellness, artistic integrity, and inspiration for Holy Week.

The Choral Director's Toolbox: Episode 13-Sacred Cows Make the Best Burgers

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2025 19:26


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 pitch”—can benefit from a fresh look. This week's listener question explores the growing use of tablets in choral rehearsal and performance. Today's inspiration is Brahms' exquisite motet Schaffe in mir, Gott, performed by the RIAS Kammerchor under Marcus Creed. Join us as we question conventions, embrace innovation, and celebrate great choral art!

The Choral Director's Toolbox: Episode 9 - The Passion of Precision

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2025 15:09


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 week's listener question tackles the importance of numerical balance in an ensemble and whether singers should be reassigned for even voice distribution. Today's inspiration features a stunning choral setting of My Song Is Love Unknown, arranged by R. Douglas Helvering and performed by The William Baker Festival Singers. Join us for another insightful episode on choral artistry and leadership!

Choral Director's Toolbox: Episode 10 - The Sacred Harp

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2025 19:25


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 listener question examines the effectiveness of Robert Shaw's count-singing method and whether it is appropriate in all choral settings. Today's inspiration features God Is Seen in Alice Parker's definitive arrangement, performed by The William Baker Festival Singers. Join us for a fascinating discussion on choral history, technique, and artistry!

The Choral Director's Toolbox: Episode 12-Ego

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2025 15:52


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 week's listener question explores practical strategies for achieving excellence in choral diction. Today's inspiration features "There Is No Rose" by Kansas City composer Dr. Sean Sweeden, performed by The William Baker Festival Singers. Join us for a thoughtful discussion on leadership, artistry, and the lifelong pursuit of musical excellence!

The Choral Director's Toolbox: Episode 11-Etiquette

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2025 18:22


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 experience. This week's listener question tackles how to manage excessive choir chatter while maintaining a positive rehearsal atmosphere. Today's inspiration features "Ballade to the Moon" by Daniel Elder, performed by The William Baker Festival Singers. Join us for an insightful discussion on fostering excellence through refined choral leadership!

The Choral Director's Toolbox: Episode-The Frustrating Rehearsal

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2025 15:41


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. This week's listener question addresses how to build confidence and retain male singers in youth choirs, while today's inspiration is the powerful African-American work song This Old Hammer, arranged by John W. Work and performed by The Men of the Robert Shaw Chorale. Tune in for practical advice and uplifting music!

Making the Most of Practice Between Rehearsals.

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2025 22:49


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 prepare effectively and confidently. This week's listener question explores the benefits of singing in mixed versus sectional arrangements, while today's inspiration features Ralph Vaughan Williams' Lord, Thou Hast Been Our Refuge, performed by Voices of Ascension. Join us for an episode full of actionable advice and inspiring music!

On the Language of Spirituals

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2025 19:34


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 powerful works. This week's listener question addresses the perennial debate: Should choral directors use a baton? Finally, today's inspiration is Alice Parker's beautiful arrangement of “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,” performed by The William Baker Festival Singers of Atlanta from their 2015 album Voice of Singing. Tune in for a thoughtful discussion and a moving celebration of choral artistry!

Choral Director's Toolbox: Episode 5 - Prescriptive Choral Training February 3, 2025

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 2, 2025 18:08


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. Learn how this approach moves beyond traditional warm-ups, incorporating voice science, body mapping, and kinetic movement to optimize vocal performance and ensemble cohesion. This week's listener question explores the best devices for recording rehearsals, and today's inspiration features Moses Hogan's powerful spiritual “I'm Gonna Sing Till the Spirit Moves in My Heart” performed by The William Baker Festival Singers. Join us for a thought-provoking and practical episode!

Choral Director's Toolbox: Episode 3 - Professionalism in Choral Music January 20, 2025

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 11, 2025 15:15


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 dedication, artistry, and commitment define a professional chorus, regardless of compensation. This week's listener question tackles the practice of anonymous auditions, while today's inspiration features the breathtaking “Dona Nobis Pacem” from Bach's Mass in B Minor, performed by the Robert Shaw Chorale. Join us for thought-provoking insights and a celebration of choral excellence!

Choral Director's Toolbox: Episode 4 - The Timely and the Timeless January 27, 2025

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 11, 2025 15:45


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 insights into how craftsmanship, integrity, and inspiration set great music apart. This week's listener question provides helpful resources for non-music-reading choir members, while today's inspiration showcases Eriks Esenvalds' evocative “Northern Lights,” performed by the Choir of Trinity College Cambridge. Join us for another enriching exploration of choral artistry!

The Choral Director's Toolbox: Episode 2 - Conducting a More Effective Audition January 13, 2025

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2025 18:18


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 needs, and ensure a respectful experience for all candidates. This week's listener question addresses a challenging leadership scenario in a community chorus, while the episode concludes with Kenneth Jennings' uplifting “All You Works of the Lord,” performed by The William Baker Festival Singers. Tune in to refine your choral leadership and celebrate the joy of music-making!

Choral Director's Toolbox: Episode 1 - Five Steps to Making Each Rehearsal a Special Occasion January 6, 2025

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 4, 2025 15:13


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 transform rehearsals into meaningful and productive experiences. Discover the “toolbox” approach to choral leadership in response to a listener question, and enjoy a stunning performance of Alexandre Kopylov's “Heavenly Light” by the Robert Shaw Chamber Singers. Join us as we celebrate the art of choral music and inspire excellence in every rehearsal!

Choral Conversations Special Edition: Christmas Favorites of the William Baker Choral Foundation Staff

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2024 58:47


Join hosts Dr. William O. Baker, founder of the William Baker Choral Foundation (WBCF) and Dr. Jamea J. Sale, Associate Executive Director of the WBCF and Director of the Institute for Healthy Singing & Voice Research (IHS&VR), for an inspiring special edition episode featuring a remarkable lineup of guests: * Dr. Andrew Schmidt: Director of the Summer Singers of Atlanta and Fellow of the IHS&VR * Christine Freeman, MME: Associate Director and Singer/Soloist of the William Baker Festival Singers & Summer Singers of Kansas City and Fellow of the IHS&VR * Jennifer Lahasky, MME: Past Director of the Summer Singers of Lee's Summit, Singer/Soloist and Alto Section Leader of the William Baker Festival Singers, and Fellow of the IHS&VR * Niccole Williams, MME: Associate Director of the Summer Singers of Lee's Summit, Education Director of the IHS&VR, and Singer/Soloist and Soprano Section Leader of the William Baker Festival Singers * Dr. Sean Sweeden: Composer in Residence and Fellow of Choral Creativity and Singer/Soloist of the William Baker Festival Singers * Daniel Baker: Director of Northland Summer Singers, Singer/Soloist and Tenor Section Leader of the William Baker Festival Singers Each guest shares personal insights about choral music selections that hold special meaning for them this year. From cherished classics to new compositions, this episode is a heartfelt journey through the transformative power of choral music. Tune in to hear music, reflections, and the passion that drives these extraordinary choral leaders!

Timothy DeWerff, Author of "Louder Yet the Chorus Raise!"

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 12, 2024 45:09


A choral conversation with Timothy DeWerff, author of "Louder Yet the Chorus Raise!" an Illustrated history of the Yale Glee Club, published to commemorate the group's 150th anniversary.

A Conversation with Past Interns of the William Baker Choral Foundation

Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2023 57:50


A choral conversation with past choral interns, Christine Freeman, MME, Megan Moore, Niccole Williams, MME, Emily Fish and Dr. Jamea Sale. Hosted by Dr. William O. Baker & Dr. Jamea J. Sale.

A Conversation with Christy Elsner, Founder & Director of the Allegro Choirs of Kansas City

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2022 40:11


A choral conversation with Christy Elsner, Founder & Director of the Allegro Choirs of Kansas City. Hosted by Dr. William O. Baker & Dr. Jamea J. Sale.

A Conversation with Dr. Geoffrey Wilcken

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2022 50:10


A choral conversation with Dr. Geoffrey Wilcken, composer, conductor, organist, and pianist. Hosted by Dr. William O. Baker & Dr. Jamea J.Sale

A Conversations with Dr. Sean Sweeden, Composer

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2022 46:34


A choral conversation with Sean Sweeden, Composer. Hosted by William Baker & Jamea Sale

A Conversation with Daniel Belcher, Baritone

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2020 45:51


A choral conversation with Daniel Belcher, Baritone. Hosted by William Baker & Patrick Neas.

Victoria Botero

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2020 41:59


A choral conversation with Soprano Victora Botero. Hosted by William Baker & Patrick Neas.

Sir Andrew Davis & Ed Frazier Davis

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2020 59:40


Patrick Neas and William Baker invite in the Choral Conversations Studio the very talented father and son, conductor Sir Andrew Davis and composer Ed Frazier Davis to talk about their journey on the eve of the March 6, 2020 concert at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. More info: https://www.festivalsingers.org/concerts/kauffmancenter

Choral Conversations: John Schaefer

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 22, 2019 31:16


A choral conversation with William Baker and John Schaefer. Hosted by Patrick Neas.

Choralosophy & Choral Conversations Together

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2019 55:08


A discussion of choral philosophy with William Baker and Chris Munce. Hosted by Patrick Neas.

All About Summer Singers

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2019 35:50


William Baker shares with Patrick Neas how Summer Singers started with The Choral Foundation and grew to four choruses in different states.

China Loves Choral Music

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2019 30:56


Lynn Swanson and two monks from a Chinese Buddhist Monastery join William Baker and Patrick Neas.

Dr. Anthony Maglione

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2019 40:30


A Choral Conversation with Dr. Anthony Maglione, composer and conductor

anthony maglione
Favorite Christmas Carols

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2018 32:57


Patrick Neas and William Baker join the staff of the William Baker Choral Foundation to reminisce and share favorite Christmas carols.

Spirituals

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2018 33:31


Patrick Neas and William Baker discuss African-American Spirituals and Gospel Music. Musical highlight include SWING LOW, SWEET CHARIOT, I BEEN IN THE STORM, I'M GONNA SING and HE NEVER FAILED ME YET.

Podcast No. 1

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2018 29:57


Patrick Neas and William Baker discuss summer choruses, healthy singing principals, and Carl Orff's CARMINA BURANA. Musical highlights include CARMINA BURANA.

musical carmina burana william baker carl orff's carmina burana patrick neas

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