WHAT'S NEW AT ABOP?
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.
Protégés Participate in the 2026
Rise Film Scoring Orchestra
In February, Alexa Clawson and London Johnson, protégés of ABOP, participated in the 2026 Musicians at Play, Rise Film Scoring Orchestra. This prestigious program brings together talented young musicians from across Los Angeles to collaborate with professional studio musicians, contractors, and a world-class Music Industry Team. Participants have the unique opportunity to experience recording a film score in a renowned Hollywood studio. Throughout the program, they receive guidance from leading professionals in the music recording industry and perform at the Eastwood Scoring Stage at Warner Bros. Studios.
Alexa and London’s journey to this program began with auditions, and they were thrilled to be accepted. The program offered a blend of online sessions and live in-studio reading and recording sessions at Warner Brothers. This marks the fourth consecutive year that ABOP protégés have had the privilege of participating in this remarkable program. Notably, percussion mentors for Alexa and London included Petri Korpela and ABOP’s own Raynor Carroll.
Congrats to London and Alexa!
New ABOP Podcast
Black, Female Percussionists
Raynor Carroll facilitates a discussion with a panel of Black, female percussionists: Alexa Clawson, Ashlee Dudley, Marcia McCants, and Donielle Woodard. The discussion explores the challenges faced by Black women in a field traditionally dominated by White men.
Check out more details on our Podcast Page.
Paul Hogle and the
“Top 10 Hard Truths and Advice”
ABOP was recently honored to have Paul Hogle, President & CEO of the Cleveland Institute of Music and board member of the Alliance of Black Orchestral Percussionists, present a session titled “Top 10 Hard Truths and Advice” for our protégés.
The presentation focused on pursuing a career in classical music and included topics such as: talent isn’t enough, facing rejection, networking, diversifying your skills, mental health, financial considerations, owning your identity, adaptability, seeking mentorship, and passion outweighs sacrifice.
The protégés were deeply grateful for Mr. Hogle’s wealth of experience and knowledge, as well as for the opportunity to engage in an open and insightful conversation about the path to a successful career in classical music.
Thank you, Paul!
New ABOP Podcast:
Q&A with the Pros
Raynor Carroll leads a Q&A session with a panel of professional percussionists. Raynor also does a “quick fire” round with each panelist on personal preferences. The panelists include Ricky Burkhead, Teddy Hall Jr., Terry McKinney, and Wesley Sumpter.
Check out more details on our Podcast Page.
Introducing a new Protégé:
Donielle Woodard
ABOP is thrilled to introduce a new Protégé into our Mentorship Program, Donielle Woodard. Donielle is currently pursuing a dual degree at Southern Methodist University where she is a member of the marching band. Donielle’s goals include winning a position with a major symphony orchestra and teaching/mentoring underrepresented musicians and youth artists. Read more about Donielle on our Protégé Page. Welcome Donielle!