ABOP PODCASTS

Ep. 34: ABOP-in-LA 2026

June 30, 2026
62 minutes

After completing the annual ABOP-in-LA intensive, ABOP’s protégés review the activities that took place during the intensive. Led by Raynor Carroll, the discussion with the protégés included Jakalin Bryant, Torrance Buntyn Jr., Alexa Clawson, Ashlee Dudley, Milik Green, and London Johnson. 

Activities for the week included workshops on Score Study, Changing and Clearing a Timpani Head, Mallet Selection, and a unique session devoted to Conductors. Master classes included Bach on Marimba led by Wesley Sumpter, and The Tambourine led by Torrell Moss. In addition, all of the protégés participated in a mock audition, rehearsals, and a final performance with the joint forces of the Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles and the Loyola Law School Orchestra. Maestros Charles Dickerson and Simona Grossi led the tutti ensemble with works by Nokuri, Dvorák, Beethoven, Respighi, Shostakovich, Prokofiev, Kodály, Britten, Schuman, Elgar, and Tchaikovsky.

• (00:31) Introduction
• (03:03) Overall Impressions
• (11:55) Score Study
• (18:36) Mallet Selection
• (21:15) Tambourine with Torrell Moss
• (23:23) Mock Audition
• (33:01) Sight Reading
• (36:56) Bach on Marimba with Wesley Sumpter
• (43:19) Conductors Workshop
• (49:39) Joint Concert
  
• (57:46) Overall Thoughts

Ep. 33: RESONANT VOICES

May 31, 2026
56 minutes

In celebration of Black Music Month, four Black musicians share their unique musical journeys and offer insights into key inspirational experiences that were impactful in their careers and lives. Guests include Paul Philbert, Principal Timpani, National Arts Centre Orchestra, Ottawa, Canada; Robin Ross, freelance violist, composer, and arranger; Todd Cochran, pianist, composer, electronic musician, and conceptual artist; Charles Dickerson, music director, conductor, composer, and arranger.

• (00:34) Introduction
• (01:54) Paul Philbert
• (14:58) Robin Ross
• (26:37) Todd Cochran
• (40:49) Charles Dickerson

Ep. 32: SENIOR ABOP PROTÈGÈS

April 27, 2026
49 minutes

Raynor Carroll, retired Principal Percussionist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, engages in a discussion with ABOP protégés Jakalin Bryant and Torrance Buntyn Jr.  The discussion includes their experiences before and during their protégé status in ABOP’s Mentorship Program.

• (01:00) Focus prior to ABOP
• (04:55) ABOP
• (10:59) Difficult, easy, favorite
• (20:53) Final 10%
• (22:10) Future in teaching
• (25:03) Comfort Zone
• (28:21) West African drumming
• (32:22) More appreciative of…
• (35:33) Practice vs. performance
• (39:27) Future Studies
• (43:51) Southern Black percussionist in pursuit of an orchestra
  
  

Ep. 31: Section Percussionist

March 26, 2026
39 minutes

Raynor Carroll, retired Principal Percussionist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, leads a discussion along with ABOP mentors Terry McKinney, Principal Percussion, Baton Rouge Symphony, and Torrell Moss, Principal Percussion, Ashland and Mansfield Symphonies, on the expectations and responsibilities of a section percussionist in a symphony orchestra. The discussion includes musicality, logistical considerations, personality, questions by ABOP protégés, and more.

• (01:23) Music
• (12:00) Logistics
• (15:47) Personality
• (26:01) Good and Bad Behavior
• (33:22) Lasting Impressions
• (35:12) Tenure: Section vs. Principal
  

Ep. 30: Black, Female Percussionists

February 16, 2026
1 hour

Raynor Carroll, retired Principal Percussionist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, facilitates a discussion with a panel of Black, female percussionists. The panel includes Alexa Clawson, a Master’s student at the University of California, Los Angeles; Ashlee Dudley, Principal Percussionist of the Durham Symphony Orchestra; Marcia McCants, Adjunct Professor of Percussion at Virginia State University; and Donielle Woodard, a Sophomore at Southern Methodist University. The discussion explores the challenges faced by Black women in a field traditionally dominated by White men.

• (01:20) Introduction
• (02:51) Beginnings in percussion
• (04:56) Parental Support
• (07:55) Negativity from the guys
• (16:50) Coping
• (22:02) Having to prove yourself
• (23:16) Female vs. male instructor
• (25:12) Where did the support come from
• (29:50) The only Black female
• (34:18) Additional performance pressure
• (40:23) Women progress differently than men
• (45:18) Strong mothers
• (49:32) Advice for younger generations of women
• (53:19) Action to be taken
• (56:20) Elayne Jones 

Ep. 29: Q&A with the Pros

January 29, 2026
48 mins

Raynor Carroll, retired Principal Percussionist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, leads a Q&A session with a panel of professional percussionists. Raynor also does a “quick fire” round of questions with each panelist on personal preferences.

The panelists include Ricky Burkhead, percussion instructor at Ole Miss University; Teddy Hall Jr., Atlanta freelance percussionist; Terry McKinney, Principal Percussion, Baton Rouge Symphony; and Wesley Sumpter, Assistant Principal Percussion, LA Phil.

• (01:42) Realization of Percussion being a passion
• (06:38) How many sticks and mallets?
• (09:09) Misconceptions
• (12:43) Quick Fire with Teddy
• (13:27) Chamber ensemble or full orchestra
• (16:54) Superstitions or pre-performance rituals
• (19:16) Conductor compliments
• (22:40) Quick Fire with Wesley
• (23:58) Conductor requests
• (25:22) Awkward moments
• (26:04) Strange objects to play
• (28:12) Quick Fire with Terry
• (28:54) Composer’s instructions
• (31:30) Favorite composition
• (35:41) Quick Fire with Ricky
• (36:44 Least favorite composer or composition
• (38:18) Favorite and least favorite percussion instrument
• (39:51) Quick Fire for panel
• (40:42) Instrument collection
• (42:39) Worst and best of being a professional percussionist

Ep. 28:  Percussion  Instrument  Maintenance

with

Raynor  Carroll  &  Damion  Frigillana

December 31, 2025
82 mins

Raynor Carroll, a retired Principal Percussionist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and Damion Frigillana, a Los Angeles freelance percussionist and percussion technician, discuss the maintenance of orchestral percussion instruments. They share their expertise on how to maintain instruments and equipment to optimize the quality of sound. 

• (01:50) Why is maintenance important?
• (08:44) General Maintenance
• (14:05) Snare Drum/Field Drum
• (27:35) Tom-toms
• (38:50) Bass Drum
• (32:24) Timpani
• (50:36) Marimba and Xylophone
• (56:44) Vibraphone
• (59:59) Glockenspiel
• (1:01:46) Chimes
• (1:04:10) Triangle
• (1:05:49) Cymbals
• (1:08:24) Tambourine
• (1:09:49) Tam-tam
• (1:10:31) Hardware (stands)
• (1:10:56) Bongos and Congas
• (1:12:07) Calf-skin heads
• (1:16:27) Resources
  
  Click here for Program Notes including an outline and Amazon links to recommended supplies.

Ep. 27: Andrés Pichardo-Rosenthal

Assistant Principal Percussion, Detroit Symphony

November 26, 2025
58 mins

Raynor Carroll, retired Principal Percussionist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, engages in a conversation with Andrés Pichardo-Rosenthal, the newly appointed Section Percussionist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic. During this interview, Andrés discusses his twelve years as Assistant Principal Percussionist with the Detroit Symphony, auditions he has taken, his preparation, the LA Phil audition, his family, and more.

• (01:46) Detroit Symphony
• (12:03) Auditions while in Detroit
• (17:44) Preparing for the LA Phil audition
• (21:16) “Really try to focus on just making really good music.”
• (24:30) Day of the audition
• (32:24) Final round
• (36:23) “The committee wants to hear us play one more time.”
• (43:08) Anticipation
• (49:26) “The most important thing is to always be improving.”

Ep. 26: Wesley  Sumpter

Assistant Principal Percussion, Los Angeles Philharmonic

October 19, 2025
62 mins

In an exclusive interview, Raynor Carroll, retired Principal Percussionist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, engages in a conversation with Wesley Sumpter, the newly appointed Assistant Principal Percussionist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic.  During this interview, Wesley provides valuable insights into his audition process, preparation, personal background, and his approach to performing with a symphony orchestra.

• (02:15) Support, encouragement, inspiration…
• (04:09) The audition
• (28:33) Assistant principal percussion duties
• (32:13) Audition preparation
• (43:22) First studies in music
• (50:59) LA Phil Resident Fellows Program

Ep. 25: Principal  Percussion

Duties  and  Responsibilities  in  a  Symphony  Orchestra

September 30, 2025
30 mins

Raynor Carroll, retired Principal Percussionist of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, offers insights into his duties and responsibilities as principal percussionist for 33 years under four different Music Directors: Carlo Maria Giulini, Andre Previn, Esa-Pekka Salonen, and Gustavo Dudamel.  Topics include: Creating a Legacy, Being a Liaison, Duties and Responsibilities, and more.

Click here for Program Notes including an outline, sample setup diagrams, and a sample inventory page.

Ep. 24: Don Parker

A  Conversation  with  the  Chair  of  the  Department  of  Music,  Georgia  College  State  University

August 26, 2025
63 mins 52 secs

Host Raynor Carroll delves into the remarkable journey of Don Parker, who has ascended to the esteemed position of Chair of the Department of Music at Georgia College State University. Throughout the conversation, Parker shares his experiences, emphasizing the importance of organization and his involvement in various musical endeavors. He discusses his time performing with the Fayetteville Symphony, teaching at Fayetteville University, and collaborating with his wife in the musical duo Double Take. Parker also touches upon his teaching of jazz and his performances in the jazz duo Hayden/Parker. Additionally, he reflects on the challenges and responsibilities of being a Black department chair in music. This insightful conversation offers a glimpse into the life and career of Don Parker.

Click here for more information on Don’s recordings, events, projects, and more.

Ep. 23: The “other” Listening List

Classical  repertoire  that  isn’t  performed  very  often  but  deserves  a  listen

July 31, 2025
35 mins

This episode features Raynor Carroll, the retired Principal Percussionist of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, presenting excerpts from rarely performed classical works that deserve greater exposure.  Composers represented include Bach, Walton, Bartók, Varesé, Berlioz, Stravinsky, Bernstein, Sibelius, Boulez, Revueltas, Britten, Chavez, Prokofiev, Copland, Mozart, Elgar, McPhee, Hindemith, and Khachaturian.

Click on Program Notes for a list of the composers and compositions presented.

Ep. 22: Survive and Thriver

Identifying  essential  skills  for  a  successful  career  as  a  percussionist

June 19, 2025
59 mins

Hosted by Raynor Carroll, this episode features Ricky Burkhead, Professor of Music and Director of Percussion Studies at the University of Mississippi.  Together, they explore Burkhead’s journey in percussion and discuss the essential skills required for a successful career in this field.  Topics include:

• (01:24) Introduction and background
• (06:14) Stick grips, rudiments, and reading
• (10:12) Fundamentals
• (16:54) Developing different styles
• (23:59) Listening and imitating
• (25:55) Drumbeats every drummer should know
• (28:35) G.E.T. P.A.I.D.
• (32:52) Reading and interpreting
• (33:49) Recording and gear
• (35:31) Hand percussion
• (38:25) Teaching
• (53:25) Services provided by a versatile percussionist

Click on Program Notes for an outline of the material presented and additional information.

Ep. 21: college  audition preparation

Guidance  for  High  School  Percussionists

May 30, 2025
1 hr 12 mins

Hosted by Raynor Carroll, the episode features a discussion with guests Ricky Burkhead, Professor of Music and Director of Percussion Studies, University of Mississippi; Terry McKinney, Principal Percussion, Baton Rogue Symphony; Don Parker, Chair and Professor of Music, Georgia College and State University; and Wesley Sumpter, former LA Phil Percussion Fellow, and currently a freelance artist.

Topics include:

• (01:05) Introduction
• (01:56) When to begin preparations
• (10:33) Options on different levels
• (19:03) Criteria in selecting schools
• (20:55) Getting to know your future teacher
• (24:30) Considerations regarding the percussion studio
• (33:23) School that will make you well-rounded
• (34:57) Previous online audition requirements
• (40:26) Guidance from a teacher
• (47:48) Practicing
• (56:50) Solo repertoire to complement your level
• (1:00:51) Physical and mental wellbeing
• (1:05:08) What do you want to do and how do you want to present yourself

Ep. 20: orchestral  audition preparationr

Audition  Recommendations  for  the  Orchestral  Percussionist

April 30, 2025
21 mins

This episode, hosted by Raynor Carroll, focuses on audition preparation for the orchestral percussionist.

Topics include:

• (00:31) Introduction
• (02:38) Part 1. Before an audition is announced
• (18:40) Part 2. After an audition is announced
• (17:41) Summary

Click on PROGRAM NOTES for an outline, timpani and percussion audition repertoire lists, and additional information.

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. 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)