NaperVoice, Naperville’s unique philanthropic choir, is set to begin its fourth season in September 2025. Philip Spencer, a graduate of the Yale University School of Music, is the Founding Conductor. In its first three seasons the choir, comprised of 36 singers from more than 20 Chicago-area communities, performed six sold-out concerts and donated over $15,000 […]
News and Notices
The Choral Director’s Toolbox This Week
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 from major biographies and personal letters, Dr. Baker explores how Beethoven’s deafness, illness, and isolation shaped both his human journey and his sacred vocation as a composer. This […]
9 New Compositions Added to the PROJECT : ENCORE Contemporary Choral Catalog
We are proud to announce this quarter’s choral compositions accepted into the PROJECT : ENCORE Catalog of Contemporary Choral Music: Kites by D cGeoffrey Bell The Risk of Birth by Tara Mack * Peace Trilogy by Edward David Messerschmidt* Ave Maria by Patti Drennan Psalm 100 by Joseph Eckman Ekklesia by Michael Markowski * O […]
Rose Publications Vol. 3: Slavic Wonders
Early music sweeps us away to a vanished world of mystery and wonder, a world of candles, stone, wood, and intimate music. Like a blossoming flower, the best early music is fresh, beautiful, ethereal, and fragrant. Take Decut huius cunctis horis from Rose Ensemble’s new Slavic Wonders series. Scored for treble voices and viola pedal, the […]
The Choral Director’s Toolbox This Week
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 basses. Learn why misassigned voice parts can lead to tension, poor intonation, and ensemble imbalance – and how thoughtful, flexible assignments can unlock freedom and blend. This […]
The Choral Director’s Toolbox This Week
This week on The Choral Director’s Toolbox Podcast host Dr. 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 […]