Improving Your Choir's Intonation Pt 2 - Ep. 16 2026

Improving Your Choir's Intonation Pt 2 - Ep. 16 2026

From The Choral Director's Toolbox by William Baker & Jamea Sale

April 22, 2026 · 19 min

About this episode

Dr. William Baker continues his exploration of improving choir intonation with practical correction strategies and addresses listener questions about choral score donations.

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 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…

People in this episode

Host: William Baker

Topics covered

  • intonation
  • choir
  • music education
  • chronic tuning issues
  • pitch memory
  • collective ear
  • rehearsal practices

Keywords

  • chronic tuning
  • Bach chorales
  • unison singing
  • stewardship
  • choral programs

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Bach chorales

Books & works: Improving Your Choir's Intonation Pt 2, The Choral Director’s Toolbox, Improving Your Choir’s Intonation Part 2, The Dream Isaiah Saw

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