Our Baton User Vol.2｜Professionally Selected PICKBOY Baton

The first time I held a PICKBOY baton was at the age of 18, when I visited Japan with an orchestra for the first time.

Choosing the ideal baton for a conductor is very important. The PICKBOY baton is of very high quality, well-balanced, and fits comfortably in the hand. During concerts, it feels as if the baton is a part of oneself.

I use two models made of carbon graphite: 'NC-H' and 'NCS-H'.

At the airport customs, an officer who didn't know what the baton in my suitcase was asked me, 'Could you show me how to actually use it?' and I conducted right there on the spot.

This summer, I encountered the PICKBOY baton while receiving guidance from Professor Mei-Ann Chen at the National Orchestra Institute's Conducting Academy held in Maryland. Since then, it has become an indispensable part of my conducting tools.

I use the FT-150B (a fiberglass baton with a 340mm cork grip). It offers consistent operability, clear conducting, and comfort, and I appreciate its weight and feel that fits well in my hand.

In my first season as music director with the Barrington Chamber Orchestra, I plan to use the PICKBOY baton for performances, concerts with the University of Rhode Island Symphony Orchestra, and two conducting competitions held in America and Italy. I am looking forward to bringing this baton to the guest conducting performances scheduled for next year.

I have been using PICKBOY batons for many years, including the FT-150F and FT-150J models. Each model feels light and comfortable in my hand. I feel that varying my grip according to the content of the music enhances communication with the orchestra.

The NC-J and FT-150K (both 320mm) that I tried during my recent visit to your company were very comfortable, and I look forward to using them in future rehearsals and performances.

I was very pleased to meet Mr. Saito from Nakano Co., Ltd. in Setagaya, who was very kind and accommodating. I was thrilled to see a signed photo of Gustavo Dudamel, the music director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and to learn that a custom baton similar to his grip could be made for me.