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.
New ABOP Podcast
Section Percussionist
Raynor Carroll leads a discussion along with ABOP mentors Terry McKinney and Torrell Moss, on the expectations and responsibilities of a section percussionist in a symphony orchestra. The discussion includes musicality, logistical considerations, personality, questions by ABOP protégés, and more.
Check out more details on our Podcast Page.
Protégés perform at
LA General Medical Center
Three Southern California-based protégés performed in the lobby of Los Angeles General Medical Center on March 15, 2026. Alexa Clawson, Cosmo Fernandez, and London Johnson presented works that included J.S. Bach, Keiko Abe, and improvised selections.
Patients, doctors, nurses, staff, and families enjoyed the soothing sounds of gongs, hand pans, and wind chimes, in addition to the melodic beauty of Bach on marimba.
Los Angeles General Medical Center is a premier public teaching hospital and Level-One trauma center serving LA County since 1878. Known for its historic 1933 “Great Stone Mother” Art Deco building, it operates as a major safety-net provider, offering care to a diverse, underserved population.
Thank you to Medical Center Music Program Founder and Director, Toby Horn, for inviting our protégés!
professional development and career transitions with
stephen smith
In February, ABOP board member and Vice President of Investor Relations at Valeas Capital Partners, Stephen Smith, conducted a session with our protégés on professional development and career transitions.
Drawing from his own experiences, Stephen underscored the significance of relationship building, perseverance, and authenticity in professional growth. He explained how his journey ultimately led him to his current role in private equity, emphasizing the importance of nurturing connections and staying in touch with mentors and colleagues. The protégés sought guidance on managing fear, building self-confidence, and adapting to various career scenarios, and Stephen provided valuable insights on taking calculated risks, learning from setbacks, and fostering positive relationships in professional settings.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Stephen for his enlightening session and his unwavering commitment to ABOP!
Protégés Participate in the 2026
Rise Film Scoring Orchestra
In February, Alexa Clawson and London Johnson, protégés of ABOP, participated in the 2026 Musicians at Play, Rise Film Scoring Orchestra. This prestigious program brings together talented young musicians from across Los Angeles to collaborate with professional studio musicians, contractors, and a world-class Music Industry Team. Participants have the unique opportunity to experience recording a film score in a renowned Hollywood studio. Throughout the program, they receive guidance from leading professionals in the music recording industry and perform at the Eastwood Scoring Stage at Warner Bros. Studios.
Alexa and London’s journey to this program began with auditions, and they were thrilled to be accepted. The program offered a blend of online sessions and live in-studio reading and recording sessions at Warner Brothers. This marks the fourth consecutive year that ABOP protégés have had the privilege of participating in this remarkable program. Notably, percussion mentors for Alexa and London included Petri Korpela and ABOP’s own Raynor Carroll.
Congrats to London and Alexa!
New ABOP Podcast
Black, Female Percussionists
Raynor Carroll facilitates a discussion with a panel of Black, female percussionists: Alexa Clawson, Ashlee Dudley, Marcia McCants, and Donielle Woodard. The discussion explores the challenges faced by Black women in a field traditionally dominated by White men.
Check out more details on our Podcast Page.