What’s new?
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.
New ABOP Podcast
“To the New Generations of Musicians”
This episode features a variety of artists in the music industry, offering their thoughts, advice, or stories to the new generations of musicians. See more details about the artists and program notes on our podcast page.
Marcia McCants
newest member of the ABOP Advisory Board
We’re thrilled to welcome Marcia McCants to our advisory board! Marcia brings a wealth of experience, having earned a Bachelor of Music in Music Industry from James Madison University, a Master’s of Music Performance in Percussion from George Mason University, and a Master’s of Arts in Applied Psychology of Music from the University of Leeds.
Marcia has shared the stage with the Colour of Music Orchestra, the M’Boom tribute ensemble, the Fairfax Wind Symphony, the Brass Band of Northern Virginia, and the National Concert Band of America. Additionally, Marcia is a member of the Scholarly Research Committee of the Percussive Arts Society.
Marcia, we’re so glad you’re part of the ABOP family—welcome!
New ABOP Podcast
“Timpani Maintenance Talk”
Raynor Carroll and Damion Frigillana dive into the world of timpani maintenance, sharing insights and tips for both students and seasoned pros. See more details and program notes on our podcast page.
ABOP Protégés win first and third prize Awards
in national competition
Najee Marcelin; Milik Green; Dr. Walter McClean, National Scholarship Chair; Torrance Buntyn Jr.
Milik Green and Torrance Buntyn Jr., competed in the National Association of Negro Musicians (NANM) New Century Competition for Percussion. The final round was held in Norfolk, Virginia, on July 18, as part of the 2026 NANM National Convention.
Milik was awarded top honors of First Prize with $7,000, and Torrance received the Third Prize Award of $1,000.
Milik’s winning performance included two works composed by Joe W. Moore, III: Platform, for solo snare drum, and Grit for Timpani, along with the Allemande movement from Johann Sebastian Bach’s Suite No. 1 for Cello, played on the marimba. Torrance arranged and performed Adoration by Florence Price, on the marimba, along with selected movements from Anthony Green’s Movements in Movement & Sound, on the vibraphone. Torrance concluded his performance with the Gavotte en Rondeau movement from the Violin Partita No. 3, by Johann Sebastian Bach, performed on the marimba.
The Second Prize Award went to Najee Marcelin, a percussion performance major entering his senior year at the Aaron Copland School of Music at CUNY Queens College. Najee performed Prelude, for timpani, composed by ABOP’s Raynor Carroll, Etude 3, for snare drum, by Josh Jones, and Emmanuel Sejourne’s, Generalife, on marimba.
ABOP congratulates Milik, Torrance, and Najee in their outstanding performances and representation of professionalism, dedication, and commitment to excellence—bravo!
First Prize Award: Milik Green
Second Prize Award: Najee Marcelin
Third Prize Award: Torrance Buntyn Jr.