FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

ABOP supports young and emerging Black symphonic percussionists.  It oversees and implements the National Black Orchestral Percussion Mentorship Program, a national program that provides one-on-one instruction and direction for Black symphonic percussionists.  Guidance is provided by selected mentor-percussionists in the field.  Besides instruction, the Program includes a variety of opportunities such as master classes, workshops, community involvement, recitals, and concert tickets.

Led by Raynor Carroll, Principal Percussionist, Los Angeles Philharmonic (retired), the Alliance of Black Orchestral Percussionists was established in 2021 when he and a fellowship of Black symphonic percussionist (the Founders) decided to form an organization to help prepare Black orchestral percussionists for the next step in their careers as symphonic players.  Citing the lack of Black percussionists in U.S. orchestras, the Founders wanted to see Black percussionists supported and mentored to increase the numbers of qualified Black symphonic percussionists in the United States.

An important focus of the ABOP Mentorship is to develop “the whole person.”  This means that ABOP wants to develop more than just a skilled percussionist.  ABOP believes in a well-rounded musician—one that is also compassionate and responsible.  ABOP counsels and encourages the Protégés in fulfilling educational goals, and also hopes to nurture and model behaviors that are key to being successful both in life and work.  For example, honesty, integrity, punctuality, and responsibility are all important to auditions, but refining those disciplines also prepares Protégés for life challenges.

Yes! ABOP membership is open to all individuals passionate about inclusivity and the desire to see our nation’s orchestras reflect our country’s diverse population—resulting in a greater sense of community on stage and in our concert halls. Visit our Membership page to join today.

Applications to become a Protégé with ABOP’s Mentorship Program are available here. The Program is open to Black percussionists of any age seeking training and support in pursuing a career in orchestral percussion. (Note: ABOP is currently accepting candidates only from the Los Angeles, California area. Please check back in the future for updates on other areas.) Applications are accepted throughout the year on a rolling basis. Visit the Mentorship Program page for details about the requirements and application process.

If you are interested in becoming an ABOP Mentor, please contact us at info@abop.us. Learn more about ABOP Mentors by visiting the Mentorship Program page.

There are many ways to contribute to ABOP: Through your dollars or a matching donation with your employer; by corporate sponsorship; by donating instruments and equipment; and by sponsoring one of our Protégés. Your donations are tax-deductible. Visit our Support Us page for information about donating to ABOP.

Visit our “What’s New?” page to find out about ABOP’s latest events.

We don’t have a Blog but we do have a Podcast series! New podcasts are published every month on our podcast page and on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Blubrry, etc.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with ABOP. Whether you’re great at spreadsheets, have a van and can help move instruments, or want to help at a recital or concert, please let us know. Your skills are much needed and appreciated. If you’d like to volunteer with ABOP, please contact us at info@abop.us. Visit the Support Us page for ways to contribute.

Yes!  ABOP is an IRS tax-exempt 501(c)(3) California non-profit organization. Visit our Support Us page to donate.

Federal Tax I.D.#:  86-3766674