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.
ABOP in the Community
Three of ABOP’s Los Angeles-based Protégés performed at a branch meeting of the Georgia Laster Association of Musicians (GLAM) on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at Cal State Dominguez Hills. GLAM is the local branch of the National Association of Negro Musicians (NANM), a nonprofit that “promotes, preserves, and supports all genres of music created or performed by African Americans.”
The performance was coordinated and led by ABOP Advisor, Joseph Mitchell III, a long-time educator and freelance artist in Los Angeles. Our Protégés, Alexa Clawson, Gabe Harvey, and London Johnson, were excited for the opportunity and enjoyed presenting percussion as the featured instrument(s).
A sincere thank you to Mr. Mitchell for presenting and guiding our Protégés and a special thank you to Yolanda West, GLAM Branch President, for the gracious invitation.
abop on npr’s here & now
There is a fantastic six-minute segment about ABOP by music journalist, Betto Arcos, on the NPR program Here & Now: How the Alliance of Black Orchestral Percussionists is preparing the next generation of musicians
Click here to listen to the story.
NEW PODCAST EPISODE 25:
Principal Percussion
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.
Find out more about this episode on our Podcast Page.
Wesley Sumpter
Assistant Principal Percussion, LA Phil
Congratulations to Wesley Sumpter, ABOP Mentor, on his new position as Assistant Principal Percussionist with the LA Phil! Wesley was a Resident Fellow with the Phil and has also regularly performed as an extra player with the orchestra. ABOP extends its heartfelt congratulations and wishes for a long and fulfilling career filled with many wonderful musical moments!
ABOP Across the pond
ABOP Co-Founder and CEO, Raynor Carroll, recently vacationed with his family in London, England. During his stay, he had the pleasure of spending an afternoon with ABOP’s sole international member, Dylan, and his family. Dylan joined ABOP in 2023 when his grandmother discovered our website, became familiar with our mission, and subsequently enrolled him.
Dylan is currently a third-year student at Wellington College, a member of the Chineke! Junior Orchestra, and receives guidance from Sacha Johnson, Principal Percussion, Chineke! Orchestra. During their conversation, Raynor and Dylan discussed Dylan’s academic progress, the ensembles he performs with, his repertoire, and his support for Liverpool Football Club—Dylan’s favorite team!
ABOP is glad to have Dylan in our family and greatly looking forward to the possibility of Dylan participating in a future ABOP-in-LA!
NEW PODCAST EPISODE 24:
Don Parker
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. This insightful conversation offers a glimpse into the life and career of Don Parker.
Find out more about this episode on our Podcast Page.
SUMMER 2025
ABOP-in-LA, June 24 – 28
Smithsonian Folklife Festival, July 2 – 7
ABOP-in-LA, July 19 – 24
It was a learning-filled summer for ABOP Protégés who criss-crossed the country for a variety of intensive learning experiences and collaborations. Not only were the Protégés in Los Angeles (twice) for masterclasses, workshops, and performances, they also traveled to Washington, D.C. to participate in the widely-respected 2025 Smithsonian Folklife Festival. Check out the ABOP-in-LA page for select photos from all three weeks of activities.
Congratulations to our Protégés — bravo, job well done!
