abop Protégés Accepted To top Schools

The ABOP Mentorship Program is thrilled to announce a significant achievement for two of its Protégés, Alexa Clawson and London Johnson, who have received acceptance invitations from multiple schools for the fall of 2025.

Alexa Clawson, a senior at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee, has been accepted into master’s programs at renowned institutions including UCLA, Southern Methodist University (SMU), and the Boston Conservatory. Her dedication and hard work throughout her time in the ABOP Mentorship Program, which she joined in July 2024, have undoubtedly paved the way for this accomplishment.

Similarly, London Johnson, a senior at Burbank High School, has also achieved an impressive feat by securing acceptance into undergraduate programs at both UCLA and California State University, Long Beach (CSULB). London has been a Protégé in the ABOP Mentorship Program since the fall of 2023, and his commitment to personal and academic growth has shone through in this achievement.

“We are incredibly proud of Alexa and London for their hard work and determination,” said Raynor Carroll, Founder & CEO of ABOP. “Their acceptance into these esteemed programs is a testament to their talent and the support they have received through our mentorship initiative. It’s wonderful to see them have such exciting options for their futures.”

The ABOP Mentorship Program continues to empower young talents by providing guidance, resources, and opportunities to help them reach their full potential. Congratulations to Alexa and London on this outstanding achievement!

New Podcast Episode

la phil resident fellows program

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.

 Visit our Podcast page for information and listening links for all ABOP podcasts.  New episodes are published monthly on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Blubrry, etc.

london & mahlerthon

ABOP Protégé London Johnson performed with two orchestras during the LA Phil’s Mahlerthon at Walt Disney Concert Hall on March 2, 2025.  London opened the marathon at 12:00 pm by playing the finale of Mahler’s 1st Symphony with the Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles (YOLA) Institute Symphony Orchestra.  This was followed by performances of the first and final movements from Mahler’s 3rd Symphony with the Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles (ICYOLA), under the direction of ABOP Advisor and ICYOLA Music Director, Charles Dickerson III.

The Mahlerthon continued into the evening, concluding at 9:30 pm.  Other participating ensembles and their repertoire included: Santa Monica High School performing the 1st movement of Mahler’s 4th Symphony; UCLA Philharmonia playing Mahler’s 6th Symphony; USC Thornton Symphony presenting Songs of a Wayfarer; and Colburn Orchestra performing Mahler’s 2nd Symphony.

Congratulations London!

ABOP Protégé London Johnson (crash cymbals, left) performing with the YOLA Institute Symphony Orchestra.

New Podcast Episode

Sound Investments

Hosted by ABOP Founder Raynor Carroll, along with ABOP Mentor Terry McKinney, this episode focuses on acquiring concert percussion instruments: where to start; how to prioritize; purchase, rent, or borrow; keeping an inventory; etc.

 Visit our Podcast page for information and listening links for all ABOP podcasts.  New episodes are published monthly on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Blubrry, etc.

Rise Diversity Orchestra

ABOP Protégés, Gabriel Harvey and London Johnson, participated in the 2025 Rise Diversity Orchestra (RDO) at Warner Brothers Studios in Burbank, California, in February.  The RDO musicians participated in a series of online sectionals before rehearsing and recording live at the Eastwood Scoring Stage.  Repertoire from the sessions included a suite from Avatar: The Way of Water by Simon Franglen, Tribute to The Film Composer arranged by John Williams, and five cues for sight-reading.

RDO was created by the nonprofit, Musicians At Play, to serve the need for diversity in the Film and TV music scoring industry and to build pathways for young minority musicians by pairing them with professional mentors.

2025 marks the third straight year ABOP Protégés have participated in the orchestra.  Congratulations and thanks to Musicians At Play for creating this fantastic opportunity for young musicians.  And, BRAVO to Gabe and London!

New Podcast Episode

Strategies for Personal and Professional Development

Hosted by ABOP Founder Raynor Carroll, along with guests Ricky Burkhead, Joseph Mitchell, Terry McKinney, and Don Parker, this episode focuses on key elements in transitioning from a student to professional life.

 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 Zoom exchange

On January 19, 2025, ABOP held its quarterly Zoom Exchange.  These 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.  Topics discussed at this Exchange included:

• Managing self-doubt and Nerves
• Overcoming Speed Bumps in Learning
• Overcoming Anxiety
• Networking and Humility in the Music Profession
• Organization and Prioritizing

The session closed with recognition to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.—his legacy and lasting influence—and a reminder to be mindful of how we can help others.

Exchange attendees included ABOP Advisors, Protégés, supporters, and many first-time guests.  ABOP Zoom Exchanges are open to all: percussionists, musicians, non-musicians, all that support diversity on America’s concert stage.  You are welcome to join in on the conversation!  Just send us an email (info@abop.us) requesting the Zoom invite.

Next ABOP Zoom Exchange:

Sunday, April 6, 2025, 4pm PT, 7pm ET