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 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.
New episodes every Monday morning. Submit a listener question to Toolbox@FestivalSingers.org.
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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 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.
New episodes every Monday morning. Submit a listener question to Toolbox@FestivalSingers.org.
Choral Director's Toolbox: From Pattern to Purpose: Listening Like a Conductor Ep 47
The Choral Director's Toolbox
16 minutes 55 seconds
1 month ago
Choral Director's Toolbox: From Pattern to Purpose: Listening Like a Conductor Ep 47
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 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.
The Choral Director's Toolbox
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 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.
New episodes every Monday morning. Submit a listener question to Toolbox@FestivalSingers.org.
