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.
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!
NEW ABOP Podcast
Percussion Instrument Maintenance
with
RAYNOR CARROLL & DAMION FRIGILLANA
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. Equipment includes: Snare Drum, Tom-toms, Bass Drum, Timpani, Marimba, Xylophone, Vibraphone, Glockenspiel, Chimes, Triangle, Cymbals, Tambourine, Tam-tam, Bongos, Congas, and Hardware.
Check it out on our Podcast Page.
Thankful for the ABOP Family!
“ABOP is fortunate to have a supportive family of individuals who oversee, advise, and implement our Mentorship Program. These supporters include our founders, board members, advisors, mentors, parents, family, and friends. Their unwavering support enables ABOP to actively pursue its mission of empowering new generations of Black orchestral percussionists. I extend my sincere gratitude to each and every one of you for your unwavering belief in our cause and your invaluable contributions to the success of our Mentorship Program.” —Raynor Carroll, Co-Founder & CEO, ABOP
Proud of our protégés!
As we wrap up 2025, it’s been an incredible year for ABOP and our Protégés. We’ve had a blast with masterclasses, workshops, performances, recitals, collaborations, auditions, and great times together. We can’t wait to see what the new year brings: hard work, determination, new opportunities, and a few surprises!
