John Baker is the Artistic Director of Tilikum Choir Community and Milwaukie Lutheran
Church Choir. Baker received his undergraduate and graduate degrees in Choral Music from
Oregon College of Education. He was the Choir Director at Rex Putnam High School for his
entire “teaching” career, 1980-2011. During his tenure at Rex Putnam, the A Cappella Choir
and Choralaires performed at state, regional, and national ACDA and MENC Conventions. In
1993, he and his wife, Sandy, founded the North Clackamas Children’s Choir, a program which
continued for 15 years with approximately 125 singers in 3 choirs. Now retired from public
music education, John keeps active in the greater choral community. Mr. Baker has served as a
guest conductor and clinician for honor choirs, workshops, and retreats in Oregon, Washington,
Arizona, Montana, Canada, Alaska, and Thailand. Music literacy is a trademark of his teaching.
He holds positions on both the ACDA and OMEA boards, as well as being the liaison for
OSAA choir activities. In addition, John and his wife, Sandy, are the executive directors of the
Choral Conductor’s Workshop held in Seaside, Oregon each summer.
John Baker
State Choir Contest Chair
Retired
Portland, Oregon
Click here to contact John