Hearts & Hands & Voices

In a career that has spanned thirty-five years as Music Minister for eight congregations in the South and Midwest, and in clinics, workshops and lectures across the country, William Baker has been a tireless advocate for uncompromising excellence in liturgy and music. Following in the footsteps of his mentor, the legendary American conductor Robert Shaw, Dr. Baker has written weekly missives to each of his choral ensembles. Sometimes tender and personal, sometimes edgy and humorous, sometimes pointedly controversial, the weekly letters have inspired and challenged the members of his excellent parish choirs.The 52 reflections in "Hearts & Hands & Voices" were written for the choirs of the historic Grace United Methodist Church in Midtown Atlanta, and the Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Kansas City suburb of Prairie Village, Kansas, between the years 2003-2011. Whether serving to inspire and encourage worship leaders to joyful and faithful service in ministry, or calling out the modern Church for the excesses of commercialism and corruption, you will find these reflections by William Baker to be a remarkable insight on music and ministry for those who love the Church and who wish to love her more.