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.
ABOP Zoom Exchange
Thank you to everyone who attended our most recent Zoom Exchange on April 28. Great discussion and advice offered on summer festivals, teaching, and performing in various ensembles (wind ensemble vs. orchestra). We look forward in the future to learning more about each other and sharing our experiences!
ABOP Zoom Exchange meet-ups are a lively space to share insights and experiences, seek advice, ask questions, make new discoveries, and enjoy the company of like-minded friends who support diversity on America’s concert stages. ABOP Zoom Exchanges are open to all; membership is not required. You are welcome to join in on the conversation! Just send us an email (info@abop.us) requesting the Zoom invite.
NEXT ZOOM EXCHANGE: July 2024, Exact Date and Time TBD
ABOP in chicago with gateways music festival
ABOP played an integral part in the Gateways Music Festival, held this year in Chicago, Illinois, April 15-19, 2024. ABOP participation included:
- ABOP Advisor, Wesley Sumpter, percussion, Gateways Chamber Players
- ABOP Advisor, Alana Wiesing, Principal Timpani, Gateways Festival Orchestra
- ABOP Founder, Josh Jones, Principal Percussion, Gateways Festival Orchestra
- ABOP Founder & CEO, Raynor Carroll, percussion, Gateways Festival Orchestra
Gateways Chamber Players performed music of Stravinsky and Marsalis. The Festival Orchestra performed music of Perkinson, Elgar, Bonds, and a set with the a cappella group, Take 6, under the baton of Maestro Anthony Parnther.
Congratulations to Gateways for supporting and celebrating Black classical musicians. And, congratulations to our ABOP family for their participation in this year’s festival!
L to R: Josh Jones, Terry McKinney (Principal, Baton Rogue Symphony), Alana Wiesing, Raynor Carroll
New Podcast Episode with josh jones!
Episode 8 features an interview with ABOP Founder and Grant Park Symphony Principal Percussionist, Josh Jones. Hosted by ABOP Founder Raynor Carroll, Josh talks about his first drumset, developing a practice routine, favorite composers, social media presence, embarrassing and memorable moments on stage, ideal gig, and much more.
Visit our Podcast page for information and listening links for all ABOP podcasts. New episodes are published monthly on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Blubrry, etc.
ABOP WELCOMES DR. RICHARD L. WALKER, JR., TO OUR BOARD
ABOP is honored to have Dr. Walker join our Board of Directors. Dr. Walker has a distinguished career in higher education, music, and administration. Richard, welcome to the ABOP Family!
Dr. Richard L. Walker, Jr., is Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students, ArtCenter College of Design. Dr. Walker oversees the Center for the Student Experience and is committed to student leadership, well-being, and engagement. He fosters a collaborative environment among students, faculty, and the community.
Previously, at Utah State University’s Caine College of the Arts, Dr. Walker was the Associate Dean for Student Development. His career includes a tenure at Vincennes University as Associate Dean of Students, and he also served in administrative and faculty roles at Florida A&M University and Indiana State University.
An accomplished music educator, Dr. Walker has worked in music technology, music business, African American Music History, and as band director. He led various ensembles at Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) and held director positions in music programs across several universities, including the University of Arkansas–Pine Bluff. As a percussionist, Dr. Walker has performed with ensembles such as the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, and the Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps.
Dr. Walker’s academic credentials include a Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership from Indiana State University and advanced degrees in Music Performance from the University of Illinois and Northern Kentucky University, underpinning his multifaceted expertise in education and the arts.
London Johnson Accepted to Two Summer Festivals
ABOP Protégé, London Johnson, auditioned for two Southern California summer festivals — Idyllwild Arts Symphony Orchestra and YOLA National Festival Symphony Orchestra — and was accepted into both programs!
Idyllwild Arts, about 2 hours away from Los Angeles, is located in the western slopes of the San Jacinto Mountains near the village of Idyllwild, renowned for its cultural and arts environment, as well as its stunning beauty. This comprehensive pre-professional ensemble experience allows students to immerse themselves in many facets of music making including solo and ensemble experience, private lessons, and masterclasses.
YOLA National Festival, located in Los Angles, brings together young musicians from El Sistema-inspired programs and programs similarly invested in youth and community development throughout the country. Musicians will convene for 10 days of learning with the festival’s amazing faculty, guest artists, and performances with world-renowned conductors.
From the entire ABOP family of friends and supporters, congratulations London! Have fun, make beautiful music, and enjoy yourself — you deserve it!