My "tool box": uniform

 Hi Friends!

Today I'd like to talk about my "uniform" when I conduct.

Most of the time when I rehearse, you will find me in a black shirt. There are 2 main reasons.

1. I can't coordinate clothes to save my life, and black goes with everything. Also, since I make hundreds of micro decisions a day as a conductor and as a mom, I don't have enough mental real estate to worry about what I wear.

2. When I sweat, you can't see the sweat stains as much. As a young flutist, I've witnessed conductors' pastel-colored shirts become darker and white-linen almost turning transparent as the rehearsals progressed. (ew)

However, there are at least 2 challenges for mostly owning black clothes:

1. I can't find a specific piece of clothing because they are all the same color.

2. My blonde dog Tomo:

Her hair goes with me EVERYWHERE! I recommend investing in some lint rollers or owning a black dog/cat/chinchilla/etc. I have simply given up. I decided that her hair is my favorite accessory.

Some suggestions I offer young conductors regarding outfits on the podium:

1. Avoid stripes- the baton will disappear (and reappear), and it's visually confusing.

2. Avoid outfits that distracts from conducting. For example, if your shoulder straps keep falling, you will spend a lot of time and energy adjusting while conducting.

3. Avoid outfits that distract the musicians from your conducting and music. In a conducting class once, a fellow student was wearing a shirt with Mr. Hankey from South Park. My friend and I couldn't stop giggling. 

That's it for today!

Best,

Kayoko

My "tool box": sock and ball

*Disclaimer: I do have a doctorate, but I'm not one of those doctors that gives medical or wellness advice. Please consult your physician if you have any concerns about using a massage ball. 

Hi everyone!

Today I would like to show you a tool I use during my commute.

It's a lacrosse ball inside of a long sock that lost its mate years ago.

One of my favorite yoga workshops I attended was centered around a use of massage ball. Massage ball can be used to roll the soles of your feet, your hips, back, arms, shoulders, etc to release tension. Google "trigger point massage ball" and you'll find many articles and videos. Contrary to popular belief 😅, I carry a lot of tension, especially around my right shoulder and lower back. 

I use a lacrosse ball, because it's very firm and digs deep. Plus it's much cheaper than typical massage balls.

So, why a sock? 

I have a long commute, about 45 minutes each way. I roll this ball on my back and shoulder while I drive, but I don't want the ball to roll everywhere. It can potentially go near the brake/accelerator leading to an accident. I use the sock to adjust the location of the ball as well. I encourage you to do some research on your own on trigger point massage. One important advice I'd offer is to avoid your spine.

Drape the top of the sock in the front so you can keep control of the ball at all times while driving.

Also, if I am conducting a lot (especially during Nutcracker season), I make sure to ice my shoulder after a rehearsal or a performance. Injury prevention is an important part of a professional life.

Stay well friends-

Best,

Kayoko

My "tool box": caffeine

*disclaimer- I am obviously not a coffee aficionado. If you are, this post might offend your tastebuds.  

Hi friends,

CSO's 2022-23 is fast approaching, and I'm studying (and teaching) like a mad person.

Today, I'd like to talk about coffee that fuels me. I drink 2 cups of coffee a day in various ways. My mother-in-law gifted me a beautiful Nespresso machine a few years ago, and I enjoy a delicious treat every morning. (I recommend an electric frother to make latte or cappuccino). I refill the pods with my favorite ground espresso once a week, and it feels like an aromatherapy. 

When I feel like I want a simple coffee, I drink Costco brand Colombian coffee via pour-over method. I switched from regular drip coffee machines, because I kept breaking the carafe. I also have a travel-French-press-mug which I use on my way home from teaching. 

Don't judge. 

I have 2 jobs and a child. When it comes to coffee, it's quantity > quality 😆

Back to my scores! See you all soon.

Best,

Kayoko

My "tool box": broth

 Hi everyone! I hope this finds you well.

Today I am sharing with you a recipe of healthy broth my sister made for me when I got sick over the summer. She makes it with 2 onions, 2 heads of garlic, and a good portion of ginger, all chopped in large chunks (with skin). Simmer in a giant pot with water until it reduces down to half of the liquid you started with. 

I'm lazy, so I've been making with my InstantPot. I throw all of the ingredients in a steamer basket and fill with water until the "max" line. Pressure Cook for 2 hours at High Pressure with natural release. *The liquid will not reduce to half. I add chicken bouillon when it's done to make it tasty. 

Being healthy is an important responsibility of being a professional, and I hope this will keep me healthy this Fall.

*I used green onions this time 

*perfect for a Texas summer day (<= sarcasm, but it's really tasty!)

Stay healthy friends!

Best,

Kayoko

 

My "tool box": batons

 Hi everyone!

Today I'd like to brag, I mean, introduce you to my beautiful batons!

I am spoiled. I've been using "Ebinger Batons" most of my professional life. John Ebinger is a bassist in The Phoenix Symphony. He is also a woodworker: Check out his website!  http://www.thedoctorswoodworks.com/

He has also made dozens of batons for my students at Sam Houston State University. Here are some examples of Ebinger Batons:

Every baton is unique and absolutely beautiful. 

He has also made me this breathtakingly stunning case 2 decades ago. I can't get myself to carry it around, as I'm afraid of breaking it, so it sits on my shelf. (My photo skill doesn't do it justice)

I always feel I have an ally when I hold my baton. Perhaps my friendship with John and his warmth and support are all embedded in it!

Best,

Kayoko

My "tool box": Pencil Box

 Hi everyone! I hope you had a wonderful summer. As we are starting up the new season at CSO and the Fall semester at Sam Houston State University, I thought I'd introduce you to some of my "tool box" items as a conductor.

To start off, pencils! Pencils are important tool for performers, music teachers, and librarians. We all have our preferences and are strangely highly passionate about our pencil selections. 

I store my pencils in a pencil box that is often used by elementary school children in Japan. My aunt in Tokyo gifted me this a few years ago:

Let's take a peek inside:

You will see a few black pencils, yellow pencil, and red/blue pencil, along with a good eraser, a pencil sharpener, a straight edge, and some sticky notes.

I use a yellow pencil to color in a solo line for concerto, and I use red pencil for meter change. (For example, when I go from conducting in 4-pattern to 3-pattern, etc). When I'm almost done with the red portion of the red/blue pencil, I give the remainder of the blue pencil to my 6 year old son 😛

Let's take a look at the brands I have in here. Currently I use the Mitsubishi Colour Pencil for red, and Tombow 4B for black. I like 4B, because it glides well and highly visible for someone who is blind as a bat. I use whatever yellow pencil I have laying around. 

Now, the problem with 4B pencil is that it's so soft, it becomes dull very quickly. That is why it is important to have a solid pencil sharpener. I use a Kum sharpener, and it get the job done! I like this Mono eraser, because it's very easy to glide and requires minimum pressure. 

Ok, now I need to go sharpen my pencils and study! I am looking forward to sharing wonderfully exciting music with you this coming season.

Best,

Kayoko

Concert Preview: Stravinsky Apollon Musagete

 Dear Friends,

I am beyond thrilled to present this week's Stravinsky Apollon Musagete with the Chattanooga Ballet.

We have been patiently waiting for over 2 years to present this since we cancelled in March 2020.

I have always been fascinated with ballet. I have never danced and have no desire to (I can barely walk without tripping over my own feet and my knee hurts), but I have so much respect and admirations for the dancers and their dedication to the art form. It may also stem from the fact that my first professional engagement with a ballet company.

In 2004, as I was finishing up my degree at Arizona State University, my mentor/teacher Dr. Timothy Russell gave me an amazing opportunity to conduct 14 performances of The Nutcracker with The Phoenix Symphony and Ballet Arizona. I studied this score for months, as my first time on the podium was a performance (not a rehearsal). I wanted to do everything I can to present myself, ASU, and Dr. Russell as the best I possibly can. 

I don't think I blinked or breathed the entire 2 hours, but I was met with kind and encouraging responses from the musicians and the dancers. The choreographer and the Artistic Director Ib Andersen even gave me a nod, which is as affirming as one can expect to receive.

Over the years, I enjoyed collaborating with the BAZ and Chattanooga Ballet dancers and choreographers, and my fascination with the art form grew more and more. They are disciplined, dedicated, collaborative, patient, and resilient. They make the movements look effortless with grace and beauty, but it takes enormous amount of athleticism and stamina. 

Stravinsky's Apollon Musagete is one of my favorite ballet scores, and I am so excited to present this beautiful collaboration with CB with choreography by Artistic Director Brian McSween.

I hope you are able to join us!

Best,

Kayoko

Personal Reflection: on Conducting a major work for the second time

Dear Friends,

I hope you enjoyed our performance last night of Farrenc Overture, Brahms' Schicksalslied, and Beethoven's Third Symphony.

It was such a pleasure to FINALLY share the stage with our beloved chorus and Lee University Chorale (lead by Darrin Hassevoort and Bill Green, respectively) after 2 years of hiatus. Last night was meaningful in so many ways, but recognizing Darrin's 22 years of service to CSO was one of the most important and anticipated events of the season. He has been a great friend and a colleague since I started in 2011. We are eternally grateful for his contribution to the CSO. Bravi to CSO Chorus and Lee University Chorale! I love you all!

from left to right: Bill Green, me, Darrin Hassevoort

I also wanted to share my thoughts on conducting Beethoven's Third Symphony, one of my all time favorite works (definitely top 5 in my book).

I conducted this symphony for the first time in 2012, my 2nd year as the Music Director. I've studied this piece since the early 2000s, and I was beyond excited to realize the score into actual sound. 

Ten years later (older, more experienced, and possibly wiser), I purchased a brand new score. I wanted to approach this work as though I have never studied or conducted it. I did not refer to my old scores while studying, and I enjoyed rediscovering Beethoven's brilliance. I did, however, bring my old score to the rehearsals. I referred to it a few time and had a debate with 2012 Kayoko to resolve some issues.

In middle of the dress rehearsal and the concert, I found myself getting choked up several times. Since the deaths of 2 of my beloved colleagues in 2019, I have been approaching most scores as if "this may be the last time I get to conduct this." This approach has brought so much appreciation to the work I do and for every opportunity I get to be on the podium.

What a privileged life I live. I get to conduct this magnificent and historically important work with my wonderful colleagues for our friends in Chattanooga.

Whether this is my 2nd time conducting, and ??th time my colleagues have performed it, I hope you were able to discover something new while listening.

Thank you for joining us last night and for your continuing support of the CSO.

With gratitude,

Kayoko

Personal Reflection: California's Music Educators, the Leaders in EDI efforts

Dear Friends,

I hope this finds you well and healthy.

I wanted to share my thoughts on a spectacular week I had in California last week. I had an amazing opportunity to conduct the California All-State High School String Orchestra. When the past-president of CODA (California Orchestra Directors Association) Matt Mulvaney and I started discussing programming for this concert, he sent me this statement:

“As you select your repertoire for our honor orchestras, we ask you to consider programming music and composers that reflect the abundance of cultural diversity that is representative of our students across the state of California.” 

I got so excited to receive this statement and immediately started brainstorming. After a few email exchanges, we ultimately selected these works:

Anne Guzzo The Bear and the Eclipse

Takeshi Yoshimatsu And the Birds are Still

Tchaikovsky Serenade for Strings

CODA's commitment to diversity did not end at programming. 3 out of 4 conductors were women, and 3 out of 4 conductors were people of color. As I have written in the past, I believe representation matters, and hiring underrepresented artists, especially in positions of leadership is crucial in normalizing this practice.

From left to right: me, Dr. Rebecca MacLeod, and Dr. LaSaundra Booth

Strangely, this week made a profound impact on me as well. From the moment I stepped onto the podium, I felt a sense of belonging. Then I realized that the orchestra was made up of roughly 90% Asian students. I have conducted plenty of clinics where Asian students were the majority of the ensemble, but having CODA's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion at the forefront, it brought on me an interesting reverse "representation matters" effect.  

Over the next few days, I realized that I have lived most of my professional life apologetically, possibly because I subconsciously believed I didn't belong. Perhaps I always felt the need to prove to myself that I have a right to hold these positions.  

It is important to point out that 1. I am aware that Asian people are not minorities in classical music in most of US; and 2. I have always been welcomed with open arms by the communities I've worked for, and nobody, I repeat, nobody has treated me like I didn't belong. This was a self-imposed notion, and I acted accordingly. (This could also be cultural or the way I was brought up.)

I have always been fortunate to have supporters who created space for me to grow. My biggest champion and mentor, Dr. Timothy Russell, always went above and beyond to provide opportunities and open many doors. My colleagues of Chattanooga Symphony & Opera and Sam Houston State University allow me to explore my potential. I now realize how crucial it is to have a community of supporters in order to thrive, and I am beyond grateful for them.

I doubt this epiphany would change my behavior going forward, but it really hit home that yes, representation does matter.

I don't have enough words to thank the CODA and CASMEC for a wonderful week and for their devotion to their students and this art form. I'm grateful for their leadership in taking concrete actions for their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The students are fortunate to have so many dedicated teachers who lead by examples. I came home with renewed hope for and commitment to the future of classical music.

With much gratitude,

Kayoko

Musical Conversations: CSO Principal Timpani Alex Wadner

 Happy New Year, friends!

I hope this find you healthy and happy. We were so sad to cancel our Chamber Concert in early January. We are hoping the musicians will stay healthy through next week, and we can present our Masterworks Concert.

Unfortunately, due to rising Covid numbers, we are shortening our program, presenting only William Kraft Concerto for Timpani (No. 1) featuring CSO Principal Alex Wadner and Ravel's orchestration of Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition. I wrote series of blog posts about Pictures in the past. Pictures blog (you can also type in the search).

I had a conversation with Alex a few months ago about Kraft's piece. Take a look:

Looking forward to sharing this exciting work with you all next week!

Best,

Kayoko