ABOP-in-LA 2026

ABOP concluded its annual intensive, ABOP-in-LA, on June 27.  This year’s focus was on a carefully selected core repertoire based on standard audition material.  Throughout the week, ABOP Co-founder and CEO Raynor Carroll ensured that this repertoire served as the unifying thread in various activities, including workshops, master classes, a mock audition, rehearsals, and a culminating performance with members of two SoCal orchestras.  For all of the details, please visit our ABOP-in-LA page and listen to our latest podcast, where our protégés share their insights on the week’s activities.

Congrats to our protégés and the ABOP team for an exceptional week!

New ABOP Podcast

“ABOP-in-LA 2026”

After completing the annual ABOP-in-LA intensive, in this podcast ABOP’s protégés review the activities that took place during the intensive.  Activities for the week included workshops, master classes, a mock audition, rehearsals, and a final performance with members of the Inner City Youth Orchestra Los Angeles and the Loyola Law School Orchestra.  See more details including repertoire on our podcast page.

ABOP Board Retreat

Alliance of Black Orchestral Percussionists held its first Board retreat on June 14, 2026. Among the many items discussed were the origins of ABOP, the Mentorship Program, and the future—how to best reach and support protégés.

Attendees included (pictured from left to right): Tara Aesquivel, Arts Consultant and Facilitator; Paul Hogle, ABOP Director, President, Cleveland Institute of Music; Justin Cole, ABOP Production Assistant; Raynor Carroll, ABOP Co-Founder & CEO, Principal Percussion, LA Phil (retired); Adrienne Lee, ABOP Senior Advisor; Joseph Mitchell III, ABOP Advisor; Alexa Clawson, ABOP Protégé; Wesley Sumpter, ABOP Advisor, Mentor, Assistant Principal Percussion, LA Phil; Stephen Smith, ABOP Director, VP, Investor Relations, Valeas Capital Partners; London Johnson, ABOP Protégé; Alan Fletcher, ABOP Director, President, Aspen Music Festival and School (not pictured)

NEW ABOP Podcast

“Resonant Voices”

June is Black Music Month!

Let’s take the time and honor those musicians that have come before us and laid a foundation for us to build careers upon. These trailblazers include:

• Scott Joplin (1868 – 1917)
• Samuel Coleridge-Taylor (1875 – 1912)
• Florence Price (1887 – 1953)
• William Grant Still (1895 – 1978)
• Marian Anderson (1897 – 1993)
• Duke Ellington (1899 – 1974)

And many, many more!

This episode showcases four Black musicians who’ve carved out truly unique paths in the music world. They share their unique musical journeys and offer insights into key inspirational experiences that were impactful in their careers and lives.

Check it out on our Podcast Page.