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