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Check back here frequently for the latest news and events from ABOP.
Drop us a line at info@abop.us with your questions and comments.
ABOP Protégé joins the new world symphony!
“I am excited to announce that I will be joining the New World Symphony as a percussion fellow in January 2027. This opportunity means the world to me, as it is the culmination of years of dedication and hard work. I can’t wait to see what this chapter has in store for me.”—Sean Edwards, ABOP Protégé
ABOP shares Sean’s excitement in landing this highly coveted position with the New World Symphony! Having joined us as a protégé in August, Sean has substantial experience from performances with the Chicago and Kansas City Symphonies and from serving as Acting Assistant Principal Percussionist with the Grant Park Music Festival Orchestra.
A graduate of the Juilliard School under Greg Zuber, Sean also studied with Patricia Dash, Douglas Waddell, Joshua Jones, and Jake Nissly at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.
ABOP is proud of Sean and will continue to support him in pursuing his passion. Congratulations, Sean!
New ABOP Podcast
“Finding Rhythm”
Challenges and Rewards of Young Black Orchestral Percussionists
In this episode, we bring together the voices of our ABOP protégés from across the country—students, graduates, and emerging professionals—to share their experiences in pursuing a career as a Black orchestral percussionist. See more details and program notes on our podcast page.
New ABOP Podcast
“To the New Generations of Musicians”
This episode features a variety of artists in the music industry, offering their thoughts, advice, or stories to the new generations of musicians. See more details about the artists and program notes on our podcast page.
Marcia McCants
newest member of the ABOP Advisory Board
We’re thrilled to welcome Marcia McCants to our advisory board! Marcia brings a wealth of experience, having earned a Bachelor of Music in Music Industry from James Madison University, a Master’s of Music Performance in Percussion from George Mason University, and a Master’s of Arts in Applied Psychology of Music from the University of Leeds.
Marcia has shared the stage with the Colour of Music Orchestra, the M’Boom tribute ensemble, the Fairfax Wind Symphony, the Brass Band of Northern Virginia, and the National Concert Band of America. Additionally, Marcia is a member of the Scholarly Research Committee of the Percussive Arts Society.
Marcia, we’re so glad you’re part of the ABOP family—welcome!