MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
Dukas Excerpt – The Sorcerer’s Apprentice
- On this page:
- Background
- Program Benefits
- Protégé/Mentor
- ABOP Mentors
The Mentorship Program offers one-on-one instruction and guidance to eligible Black percussionists (Protégés)
The Program is open to Black percussionists of any age seeking training and support in pursuing a career in orchestral percussion. Students, pre-professionals, and professionals will be prepared and guided to the next step in their musical careers by qualified and experienced percussionists in the field (ABOP Mentors). Program benefits are provided at no cost to Protégés.
Protégés are accepted each year on a rolling basis, pending program funding. Based on the Protégé’s skills upon entry, Mentors will work with Protégés over time to develop the skills and focus required of professional players. ABOP will work with the Protégés’ current musical activities to complement and enhance their development.
Protégés will be encouraged not only to learn, but to teach and mentor. The aim is to cumulatively grow a professionally trained cohort of Black musicians who can support each other and nurture newcomers.
An important focus of the ABOP Mentorship is to develop the whole person—not just a skilled musician, but a compassionate, well-rounded, and responsible individual, prepared for today’s tasks and tomorrow’s challenges. ABOP counsels and encourages the Protégés in fulfilling educational goals, and nurtures and models behaviors that are key to being successful both in life and work.
Program benefits
- Private lessons with Mentor
- Monthly Zoom master classes/seminars (discussions, demonstrations, listening sessions, performance with Mentor, mock auditions, organizational skills, financial basics, professional etiquette)
- Performance opportunities (solo and joint recitals with Mentors and fellow Protégés)
- Partnerships with the community (pre- and professional orchestras, schools, and universities)
- Equipment assistance (purchase and rental, instruments, music, mallets, accessories)
- Financial assistance (music festivals, workshops, master classes, concert attendance)
- Assistance with document prep (school/job applications, scholarships, summer programs, resumes, etc.)
- Annual membership in the Percussive Arts Society (PAS)
ABOP will recognize success when Protégés
… are accepted into institutions of higher learning and receive degrees
… become active freelance musicians
… become educators
… become members of professional orchestras
… become active role models in the community and mentor others
… all of the above!
Protégé
— A young person who is helped in their career and personal development by a more experienced person. (Oxford Dictionary)
Potential candidates must be focused, dedicated, and passionate in all areas of symphonic percussion.
To be considered for ABOP’s Mentorship Program, candidates must submit an application including a letter of recommendation, perform an audition (recorded or live), and participate in an interview with our audition committee. Accepted Protégés will receive one-on-one instruction and guidance from an ABOP Mentor for one year, including skill development and professional advice. A Protégé’s progress is reviewed every six months, and upon passing yearly reviews, will automatically continue in the Program. Protégés will receive complimentary ABOP membership while they are a member of the Program (see Benefits section above).
To apply to the Mentorship Program, complete and submit the application for consideration. Applications are accepted throughout the year on a rolling basis.
mentor
— A trusted counselor or guide (Merriam-Webster)
— Someone who guides another to greater success (yourdictionary.com)
Qualified and enthusiastic Mentors form the foundation of the Mentorship Program. ABOP Mentors are essential to accomplishing ABOP’s Mission and are key to reaching the goal of improving and growing the field of Black orchestral percussionists. Mentors provide guidance, motivation, emotional support, and role-modeling through one-on-one interaction in developing the whole person—not just the musician, but a well-rounded individual with compassion and integrity. Mentors are the Protégés’ most ardent advocates, and empower the Protégés to reach their full potential.
Mentor positions are open to professionals dedicated to guiding the growth of serious symphonic percussionists. Candidates are thoroughly screened and evaluated, and must be approved by ABOP Founders and Advisors.
If you would like more information on becoming an ABOP Mentor, please contact us at info@abop.us.
Meet Your Current ABOP Mentors!
Raynor Carroll
Principal Percussion
Los Angeles Philharmonic (retired)
Timothy K. Adams, Jr.
Former Principal Timpani
Pittsburgh Symphony
Douglas Cardwell
Former Principal Timpani
New Mexico Philharmonic
Michael Crusoe
Former Principal Timpani
Seattle Symphony
Collective accomplishments of our ABOP Mentors
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