ABOP PODCASTS
ABOP Podcasts feature conversations about life, learning experiences, music, and a dash of drums—lively discussions with friends and colleagues from the world of percussion. Podcasts are published monthly and are available here on the ABOP Website, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Blubrry, etc.
Ep. 19: LA Phil Resident Fellows Program
A discussion with the LA Phil’s Musician Representative, John Lofton
March 23, 2025
58 mins
This episode centers on the LA Phil Resident Fellows Program. Hosted by Raynor Carroll, the former Principal Percussionist of the LA Phil, the episode features John Lofton, the current bass trombonist with the orchestra and the Musician Representative for the Resident Fellows Program. Together, they delve into the Program, covering its origins, eligibility criteria, audition process, benefits, achievements, and its evolution over the years. Topics include:
- (1:23) Lack of diversity on stage
- (2:55) Highlights of the Program
- (4:04) How this Program originated—some history
- (9:56) The Cadillac of programs
- (17:27) Auditioning for the Program
- (21:54) How many applicants are reviewed for a position?
- (23:49) Three year term with a yearly review
- (26:19) Sound quality of pre-screen recordings
- (28:37) Why does the screen come down in the final round?
- (32:24) Bassoon competing against a trumpet?
- (34:26) Pairing a fellow with a mentor
- (38:00) “Play for all the people that you think might make you nervous.”
- (39:12) The quality that all of the fellows have upon entering the Program?
- (42:21) Mock auditions
- (47:38) Mental health
- (49:44) “I don’t think I want to go and do this as a living.”
- (53:05) Diversity in all areas
Ep. 18: Sound Investments
A Journey Into Percussion Instrument Acquisition
February 27, 2025
1 hr
This episode, hosted by Raynor Carroll, along with ABOP Mentor Terry McKinney, focuses on acquiring concert percussion instruments: where to start; how to prioritize; purchase, rent, or borrow; keeping an inventory; etc.
Topics include:
- (1:47) Top 6-7 Most Important Instruments
- (12:23) Timpani
- (18:40) Drums
- (27:45) Cymbals
- (29:24) Tam-tams
- (30:06) Keyboards
- (37:55) Accessories
- (40:15) Latin
- (44:24) Drumset
- (45:14) Miscellaneous
- (56:47) Summary
Click on PROGRAM NOTES for a listing of instruments, equipment, and additional information.
Ep. 17: Strategies for Personal and Professional Development
January 30, 2025
1 hr 17 mins
This episode, hosted by Raynor Carroll, focuses on key elements in transitioning from a student to professional life. Guests in this episode include Ricky Burkhead, Terry McKinney, Joseph Mitchell, and Don Parker. Topics include:
- Self assessment (2:03)
- Reliability and responsibility (18:13)
- Collaboration, teamwork, problem solving (22:39)
- Discipline (34:30)
- Participation awards (37:47)
- Practice log or journal (45:07)
- Balancing work and life (50:07)
- Short- and long-term goals (52:30)
- Priorities (54:11)
- Procrastination (57:19)
- Humility (1:07:04)
- Mental health (1:09:58)
Ep. 16: TALES FROM THE ORCHESTRA’S REAR
December 30, 2024
53 mins
This episode, hosted by Raynor Carroll, showcases narratives set in the everyday life of a symphony orchestra, as seen through the eyes of the percussionists. The guests feature ABOP Founders: Douglas Cardwell, who previously served as the timpanist for the New Mexico Philharmonic, and Michael Crusoe, a former timpanist with the Seattle Symphony.
Tales include: MTT vs The Helicopters, Maestro lost his toupee, Timpano that rolls on its own, Having dinner during an opera performance, Anyone need a 5 octave marimba?, Put the percussion anywhere!, Unintentional chromatic passage on the 31” timpano, Wood blocks in Symphonie Fantastique, Are we the dog or the fire hydrant? Percussion, do you have shinier cymbals?
Ep. 15: ABOP at PASIC 2024
November 27, 2024
1 hr 22 mins
This episode, hosted by Raynor Carroll, features interviews from the floor of the exhibit hall of the Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC). Interviews include:
- (3:10) Day 1: Gabe Harvey, Shain McDougald Jr., Jakalin Bryant, Torrance Buntyn Jr, Christopher Thompson, London Johnson, Cosmo Fernandez, Dean Gronemeier, Stacey David, Donovan Haywood
- (14:00) Day 2: Joshua Jones, Justin Johnson, Jessica Williams, Andrea Stain, Evan Nakanishi, Benjamin Haggie, Torrance Buntyn Jr.
- (36:33) Day 3: Quintin Mallette, Chris Hart, Jesse Guo, Ricky Burkhead, Ashlee Dudley, Jakalin Bryant, Shain McDougald Jr.
- (1:07:38) Day 4: Cosmo Fernandez, London Johnson, Gabe Harvey, Torrance Buntyn Jr.
Click on PROGRAM NOTES for a listing of the interviews with photos, and additional information.
Ep. 14: orchestral percussion playbook
October 30, 2024
29 mins
This episode, presented by former Principal Percussionist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Raynor Carroll, offers insight and suggestions on being creative when performing a wide variety of standard orchestral literature. Repertoire includes:
- Gershwin Rhapsody in Blue (1:30)
- Bartók Concerto for Orchestra, II mvt. (2:44)
- Shostakovich Symphony No. 10, I mvt. (4:30)
- Tchaikovsky Trepak (Russian Dance), from The Nutcracker (6:07)
- Stravinsky Petrouchka (8:38)
- Mozart Abduction from the Seraglio, Overture (9:54)
- Rimsky-Korsakov Scheherazade, IV mvt. (11:35)
- Prokofiev Romeo & Juliet, Montagues and the Capuletes (13:52)
- Mahler Symphony No. 1, IV mvt. (15:24)
- Richard Strauss Ein Heldenleben (16:45)
- Dvorak Symphony No. 9, IV mvt. (17:31)
- Richard Strauss Dance of the Seven Veils from Salome (17:53)
- Stravinsky Firebird, Ballet (18:48)
- Elgar Enigma Variations, XIII mvt. (20:47)
- Tchaikovsky Romeo & Juliet, Overture (23:33)
- Falla Three Cornered Hat, Finale (25:09)
- Debussy Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun (26:26)
Click on PROGRAM NOTES for a listing of examples, music, photos, and additional information for this episode.
Ep. 13: timpani in the baroque
September 20, 2024
59 mins
Hosted by ABOP Founder Raynor Carroll, along with timpanists Douglas Cardwell and Michael Crusoe, this episode features the entry of kettledrums (timpani) into the symphony orchestra in the Baroque era. Insights into the drums, mallets, interpretation of the music, and much more are presented. Topics include:
- The Baroque era (1:47)
- Kettledrums in the Baroque (3:33)
- Thésée (Act 1, Scene 9) by Jean-Baptiste Lully: The introduction of kettledrums into the orchestra (4:55)
- The Fairy Queen (Act 4, Symphony) by Henry Purcell: First orchestral solo passage for kettledrums (8:48)
- Christmas Oratorio (Part 1, No. 1) by Johann Sebastian Bach (13:18)
- Christmas Oratorio (No. 64) by Johann Sebastian Bach (28:31)
- Music for the Royal Fireworks (Overture) by George Frideric Handel (31:15)
- The Messiah (No. 44, Hallelujah Chorus) by George Frideric Handel (38:27)
- Summary: drums, mallets, interpretation and stylistic approach (59:06)
Click on PROGRAM NOTES for a listing of audio examples, music, photos, additional information, and selected resources for this episode.
Ep. 12: THE BLACK PERCUSSION EDUCATOR, PART 2
August 26, 2024
1 hour 10 mins
Hosted by Raynor Carroll, this episode continues the discussion from episode 11, The Black Percussion Educator. Guests include: Ricky Burkhead, Professor of Music and Director of Percussion Studies, University of Mississippi; Quintin Mallette, Assistant Professor of Percussion, East Carolina University; and Don Parker, Chair and Professor of Music, Georgia College and State University. Topics include:
- Curriculum (1:11)
- Teaching how to practice (11:29)
- Building trust (17:28)
- Working with an institution (25:58)
- Budgets, funding, and creative financing (31:34)
- The percussion ensemble (49:55)
- Closing thoughts (1:03:12)
Click here for program notes from this episode on essential audio gear for the home studio and selected method books for teaching.
Ep. 11: THE BLACK PERCUSSION EDUCATOR, PART 1
July 30, 2024
1 hour 25 mins
Hosted by Raynor Carroll, this episode offers experience-based advice on teaching percussion. Guests include: Ricky Burkhead, Professor of Music and Director of Percussion Studies, University of Mississippi; Quintin Mallette, Assistant Professor of Percussion, East Carolina University; and Don Parker, Chair and Professor of Music, Georgia College and State University. Topics include:
- Levels of Instruction (2:57)
- Areas of Instruction (19:46)
- Qualifications and Degrees (39:09)
- Experience and Building A Brand (58:29)
- Personal Equipment (1:07:25)
Click here for program notes from this episode on essential audio gear for the home studio and selected method books for teaching.
Ep. 10: PROTÉGÉS
June 22, 2024
1 hour 12 mins
Episode 10 features a discussion with six ABOP Protégés: Jakalin Bryant, Torrance Buntyn, Jr., Alexa Clawson, Gabriel Harvey, London Johnson, and Shain McDougald, Jr. Hosted by Torrance, the discussion includes:
- ABOP-in-LA (14:38)
- “Grow as you go.” (22:05)
- National Alliance for Audition Support (24:30)
- Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture (27:44)
- What do you enjoy about music and why are you in music? (29:09)
- Black classical composers in America (31:20)
- Music for video games (47:21)
- Interests and hobbies (51:53)
- Favorite instrument and pieces to play or listen to? (1:05:39)
Ep. 9: Christopher hart
May 21, 2024
1hr 20 min
Episode 9 features an interview with Christopher Hart, ABOP Advisor, and Manager of Communications and Relationships, Remo Inc. Co-hosted by ABOP Founder Raynor Carroll, and ABOP Advisor Don Parker, the discussion focuses on Chris:
- How did you get into music? (01:46)
- Locke High School, Los Angeles, CA (6:25)
- Cal State University Los Angeles (8:13)
- The connection with Remo (18:54)
- Remo and world percussion (24:53)
- Artist relations (36:58)
- Proudest moments at Remo (43:42)
- Grammy week and Paul McCartney (54:56)
- Advice for a young percussionist interested in the business of percussion (1:02:57)
Ep. 8: JOSH JONES
April 16, 2024
42 min
Episode 8 of the Alliance of Black Orchestral Percussionists (ABOP) Podcast series features an interview with ABOP Founder and Grant Park Symphony Principal Percussionist, Josh Jones. Hosted by ABOP Founder Raynor Carroll, Josh talks about:
- First drumset (01:22)
- Developing a practice routine at an early age (11:51)
- I can do this! (20:21)
- Favorite composers (23:55)
- Social Media (25:54)
- Embarrassing moments on stage (28:30)
- Memorable moments on stage (30:45)
- The ideal gig (31:56)
- Where am I in 10 years? (35:04)
- Life without music? (37:07)
Ep. 7: FOUNDERS ROUNDTABLE II
March 13, 2024
1 hour 13 mins
Episode 7 features a roundtable discussion with ABOP Founders, Tim Adams, Douglas Cardwell, Michael Crusoe, Josh Jones, Johnny Lee Lane, and the host, Raynor Carroll. This roundtable discussion continues the theme from the first Founders Podcast (Episode 3): Our Respective Journeys; how they differed and how they were the same. This discussion helped to form the foundation for ABOP’s Mentorship Program. Topics include:
- What characteristics do you see in yourself that have been vital to pursuing your goal? (01:39)
- What were the important things that you did that others did not do? (02:48)
- Score study (04:04)
- Richard Weiner (12:03)
- What were some of the obstacles that you faced and how did you overcome them? (15:10)
- “Make room for percussion.” (16:02)
- How do you maintain your focus? (31:09)
- “I dated drums.” (31:35)
- Did you excel in high school? (36:32)
- “I’ll learn how to lucid dream so I can practice in my sleep.” (48:11)
- “It’s not how you fall, it’s how you get up.” (58:57)
- “Every job that I’ve won, I’ve stepped on something huge.” (1:00:53)
- What would you tell your younger self? (1:06:31)
Ep. 6: ABOP PROTÉGÉS
February 16, 2024
1 hour 6 mins
Episode 6 features a conversation with ABOP Protégés, Torrance Buntyn Jr., Jakalin Bryant, London Johnson, and special guest, Andrea Stain. Torrance leads a conversation about their experiences as young Black percussionists. Topics include:
- How they got started in percussion (02:20)
- Inspirations (08:32)
- Fresno County, Racism (21:44)
- “Making fun of black women was a sport.” (24:10)
- “I don’t see posters of people that look like me.” (31:24)
- Transitioning from an HBCU to SMU (37:28)
- Transitioning from Mississippi to California (42:22)
- Black musician at Valdosta State University (49:02)
- “People can respect me as a musician.” (52:38)
- Mental health resources (53:51)
- Final thoughts (59:21)
Ep. 5: michael crusoe
January 16, 2024
51 min 28 sec
Episode 5 features a discussion with ABOP Founder, Michael Crusoe. Along with the host, Raynor Carroll, Mr. Crusoe shares his experiences on and off stage as Principal Timpanist of the Seattle Symphony. Topics include:
- Seattle: symphony, opera, and soundtrack recording (01:25)
- Growing up in St. Louis (12:47)
- Interest in classical music (13:44)
- Studying with O’Donnell, Stubbs, and Holmes (15:27)
- Teaching at the University of Washington (21:41)
- Memorable and forgettable moments on stage (25:03)
- William Schuman catalog (27:19)
- Timpani and mallets used (30:58)
- Music is a progressive art (36:14)
- Small drums and wood sticks (38:22)
- I’m not going to play if… (47:39)
Ep. 4: Douglas Cardwell
December 20, 2023
51 min 38 sec
Episode 4 features a discussion with ABOP Founder and Mentor, Douglas Cardwell. Along with the host, Raynor Carroll, Mr. Cardwell talks about:
- Lotus Sound Bath (03:09)
- Growing up in Virginia (14:38)
- Why the drums? (18:02)
- Why classical music? (22:20)
- Being a Black classical musician (31:07)
- Mentorship, respect for percussion (33:25)
- Documenting incidents (39:40)
- Favorite/ideal gigs (43:48)
Ep. 3: Founders Roundtable
November 17, 2023
1 hr 2 min 20 sec
Episode 3 features a roundtable discussion with five ABOP Founders:
Tim Adams, former Principal Timpanist, Pittsburgh Symphony
Douglas Cardwell, former Principal Timpanist, New Mexico Philharmonic
Michael Crusoe, former Principal Timpanist, Seattle Symphony
Josh Jones, former Principal Percussionist, Kansas City Philharmonic
Raynor Carroll, former Principal Percussionist, Los Angeles Philharmonic, and Podcast Host
The Founders, all Black classically trained musicians, share their stories on the factors and elements that aided and guided them in reaching their goals.
Ep. 2: Part 2 with
Professor Johnny Lee Lane
October 18, 2023
41 min 35 sec
Part 2 of a two-part conversation with Professor Johnny Lee Lane. Prof Lane, known to many as one of the nation’s foremost college percussion educators, talks about the US Percussion Camp, how he connects with and prepares his students, and his thoughts on being inducted into the Percussive Arts Society Hall of Fame.
Co-hosted by Raynor Carroll and Dr. Don Parker.
Ep. 1: Part 1 with
Professor Johnny Lee Lane
October 18, 2023
58 min 13 sec
Part 1 of a two-part conversation with Professor Johnny Lee Lane. Prof Lane, known to many as one of the nation’s foremost college percussion educators, talks about his early influences, education, and positions with Tennessee State University, and Eastern Illinois University.
Co-hosted by Raynor Carroll and Dr. Don Parker.