ABOP PODCAST

Alliance of Black Orchestral Percussionists - ABOP

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Featuring conversations and discussions on life experiences, learning moments, music, and a dash of drums—all from personalities and friends from the world of symphonic percussion. ABOP is the Alliance of Black Orchestral Percussionists, a nonprofit organization that focuses on mentoring future generations of Black percussionists.

4 DAYS AGO

Episode 28. Percussion Instrument Maintenance

Raynor Carroll, a retired Principal Percussionist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and Damion Frigillana, a Los Angeles freelance percussionist and percussion technician, discuss the maintenance of orchestral percussion instruments. They share their expertise on how to maintain instruments and equipment to optimize the quality of sound. Equipment includes: Snare Drum, Tom-toms, Bass Drum, Timpani, Marimba, Xylophone, Vibraphone, Glockenspiel, Chimes, Triangle, Cymbals, Tambourine, Tam-tam, Bongos, Congas, and Hardware. This podcast is produced by the Alliance of Black Orchestral Percussionists (ABOP). ABOP is a nonprofit organization that focuses on mentoring future generations of Black orchestral percussionists. www.abop.us

1h 22m
26/11/2025

Episode 27. Andrés Pichardo-Rosenthal

Raynor Carroll, retired Principal Percussionist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, engages in a conversation with Andrés Pichardo-Rosenthal, the newly appointed Section Percussionist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic. During this interview, Andrés discusses his twelve years as Assistant Principal Percussionist with the Detroit Symphony, auditions he has taken, his preparation, the LA Phil audition, his family, and more. This podcast is produced by the Alliance of Black Orchestral Percussionists (ABOP). ABOP is a nonprofit organization that focuses on mentoring future generations of Black orchestral percussionists. www.abop.us

58 min
19/10/2025

Episode 26. Wesley Sumpter

In an exclusive interview, Raynor Carroll, retired Principal Percussionist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, engages in a conversation with Wesley Sumpter, the newly appointed Assistant Principal Percussionist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic. During this interview, Wesley provides valuable insights into his audition process, preparation, personal background, and his approach to performing with a symphony orchestra. This podcast is produced by the Alliance of Black Orchestral Percussionists (ABOP). ABOP is a nonprofit organization that focuses on mentoring future generations of Black orchestral percussionists. www.abop.us

1h 2m
01/10/2025

Episode 25. Principal Percussion

Raynor Carroll, retired Principal Percussionist of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, offers insights into his duties and responsibilities as principal percussionist for 33 years under four different music Directors: Carlo Maria Giulini, Andre Previn, Esa-Pekka Salonen, and Gustavo Dudamel. Topics include: Creating a Legacy, Being a Liaison, Duties and Responsibilities, and more. This podcast is produced by the Alliance of Black Orchestral Percussionists (ABOP). ABOP is a nonprofit organization that focuses on mentoring future generations of Black orchestral percussionists. www.abop.us

30 min
27/08/2025

Episode 24. Don Parker

Host Raynor Carroll delves into the remarkable journey of Don Parker, who has ascended to the esteemed position of Chair of the Department of Music at Georgia College State University. Throughout the conversation, Parker shares his experiences, emphasizing the importance of organization and his involvement in various musical endeavors. He discusses his time performing with the Fayetteville Symphony, teaching at Fayetteville University, and collaborating with his wife in the musical duo Double Take. Parker also touches upon his teaching of jazz and his performances in the jazz duo Hayden/Parker. Additionally, he reflects on the challenges and responsibilities of being a Black department chair in music. This insightful conversation offers a glimpse into the life and career of Don Parker. This podcast is produced by the Alliance of Black Orchestral Percussionists (ABOP). ABOP is a nonprofit organization that focuses on mentoring future generations of Black orchestral percussionists. www.abop.us

1h 4m
01/08/2025

Episode 23. The “Other” Listening List

This episode features Raynor Carroll, the retired Principal Percussionist of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, presenting excerpts from rarely performed classical works that deserve greater exposure. Composers represented include Bach, Walton, Bartók, Varèse, Berlioz, Stravinsky, Bernstein, Sibelius, Boulez, Revueltas, Britten, Chavez, Prokofiev, Copland, Mozart, Elgar, McPhee, Hindemith, and Khachaturian.

35 min
20/06/2025

Episode 22. Survive and Thrive

Hosted by Raynor Carroll, this episode features Ricky Burkhead, Professor of Music and Director of Percussion Studies at the University of Mississippi. Together, they explore Burkhead’s journey in percussion and discuss the essential skills required for a successful career in this field. Topics include fundamentals, developing different styles, listening and imitating, drumbeats every drummer should know, GET PAID, reading and interpreting, recording and gear, hand percussion, teaching, and more. This podcast is produced by the Alliance of Black Orchestral Percussionists (ABOP). ABOP is a nonprofit organization that focuses on mentoring future generations of Black orchestral percussionists. www.abop.us

59 min
30/05/2025

Episode 21. College Audition Preparation

Hosted by Raynor Carroll, this episode features a discussion on preparing a college percussion audition. Guests include Ricky Burkhead, Professor of Music and Director of Percussion Studies, University of Mississippi; Terry McKinney, Principal Percussion, Baton Rogue Symphony; Don Parker, Chair and Professor of Music, Georgia College and State University; and Wesley Sumpter, former LA Phil Percussion Fellow, and currently a freelance artist. Topics include: when to begin preparations, criteria in selecting schools, getting to know your future teacher, audition requirements, seeking guidance, practicing, physical and mental wellbeing, and more. This podcast is produced by the Alliance of Black Orchestral Percussionists (ABOP). ABOP is a nonprofit organization that focuses on mentoring future generations of Black orchestral percussionists. www.abop.us

1h 12m

Featuring conversations and discussions on life experiences, learning moments, music, and a dash of drums—all from personalities and friends from the world of symphonic percussion. ABOP is the Alliance of Black Orchestral Percussionists, a nonprofit organization that focuses on mentoring future generations of Black percussionists.

Creator

Alliance of Black Orchestral Percussionists - ABOP
Years Active

2023 - 2025
Episodes

28
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2023 ABOP
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