PODCAST · music
ABOP PODCAST
by Alliance of Black Orchestral Percussionists - ABOP
Featuring conversations and discussions on life experiences, learning moments, music, and a dash of drums—all from personalities and friends from the world of symphonic percussion.ABOP is the Alliance of Black Orchestral Percussionists, a nonprofit organization that focuses on mentoring future generations of Black percussionists.
Episodes
-
Episode 37. Finding Rhythm
In this episode, we bring together the voices of our ABOP protégés from across the country—students, graduates, and emerging professionals—to share their experiences in pursuing a career as a Black orchestral percussionist. Our protégés speak candidly about the highs and lows of this path. You’ll...
-
Episode 36. 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. The artists include Joe W. Moore III, Craig Paré, Quintin Mallette, Paul Tracey, Don Johns, Pedro Fernandez, Camille Delaney-McNeil, Delton Davis…
more -
Episode 35. 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. We’ll explore everything from tuning gadgets and mallets to mutes, stools, keys, and even drum manufacturers and sizes. We’ll also touch on bowls, heads,...
-
Episode 34. ABOP-in-LA 2026
After completing the annual ABOP-in-LA intensive, ABOP’s protégés review the activities that took place during the intensive. Led by Raynor Carroll, the discussion with the protégés included Jakalin Bryant, Torrance Buntyn Jr., Alexa Clawson, Ashlee Dudley, Milik Green, and London Johnson....
-
Episode 33. Resonant Voices
In celebration of Black Music Month, four Black musicians share their unique musical journeys and offer insights into key inspirational experiences that were impactful in their careers and lives. Guests include Paul Philbert, Principal Timpani, National Arts Centre Orchestra, Ottawa, Canada…
more -
Episode 32. Senior ABOP Protégés
Raynor Carroll, retired Principal Percussionist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, engages in a discussion with ABOP protégés Jakalin Bryant and Torrance Buntyn Jr. The discussion includes their experiences before and during their protégé status in ABOP’s Mentorship Program. This podcast is...
-
Episode 31. Section Percussionist
Raynor Carroll, retired Principal Percussionist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, leads a discussion along with ABOP mentors Terry McKinney, Principal Percussion, Baton Rouge Symphony, and Torrell Moss, Principal Percussion, Ashland and Mansfield Symphonies, on the expectations and...
-
Episode 30. Black, Female Percussionists
Raynor Carroll, retired Principal Percussionist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, facilitates a discussion with a panel of Black, female percussionists. The panel includes Alexa Clawson, a Master’s student at the University of California, Los Angeles; Ashlee Dudley, Principal Percussionist of…
more -
Episode 29. Q&A with the Pros
Raynor Carroll, retired Principal Percussionist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, leads a Q&A session with a panel of professional percussionists. Topics include: percussion as your passion, number of sticks and mallets owned, misconceptions, ensemble preference, superstitions, conductors,...
-
Episode 28. Percussion Instrument Maintenance
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...
-
Episode 27. Andrés Pichardo-Rosenthal
Raynor Carroll, retired Principal Percussionist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, engages in a conversation with Andrés Pichardo-Rosenthal, the newly appointed Section Percussionist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic. During this interview, Andrés discusses his twelve years as Assistant Principal...
-
Episode 26. Wesley Sumpter
In an exclusive interview, Raynor Carroll, retired Principal Percussionist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, engages in a conversation with Wesley Sumpter, the newly appointed Assistant Principal Percussionist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic. During this interview, Wesley provides valuable...
-
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: Carlo Maria Giulini, Andre Previn, Esa-Pekka Salonen, and Gustavo Dudamel. Topics...
-
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. Throughout the conversation, Parker shares his experiences, emphasizing the importance of organization and his...
-
23. The “Other” Listening List
This episode features Raynor Carroll, the retired Principal Percussionist of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, presenting excerpts from rarely performed classical works that deserve greater exposure. Composers represented include Bach, Walton, Bartók, Varèse, Berlioz, Stravinsky, Bernstein, Sibelius,...
-
Episode 22. Survive and Thrive
Hosted by Raynor Carroll, this episode features Ricky Burkhead, Professor of Music and Director of Percussion Studies at the University of Mississippi. Together, they explore Burkhead’s journey in percussion and discuss the essential skills required for a successful career in this field. Topics...
-
Episode 21. College Audition Preparation
Hosted by Raynor Carroll, this episode features a discussion on preparing a college percussion audition. Guests include Ricky Burkhead, Professor of Music and Director of Percussion Studies, University of Mississippi; Terry McKinney, Principal Percussion, Baton Rogue Symphony; Don Parker, Chair…
more -
Episode 20. Orchestral Audition Preparation
This episode centers on audition preparation. Hosted by Raynor Carroll, the former Principal Percussionist of the LA Phil, the episode features specific recommendations and suggestions directed at orchestral percussionists auditioning for symphony orchestras. The program notes, available on…
more -
Episode 19. 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. Together,...
-
Episode 18. Sound Investments
This episode, hosted by ABOP Founder Raynor Carroll, along with ABOP Mentor Terry McKinney, focuses on acquiring concert percussion instruments: where to start; how to prioritize; purchase, rent, or borrow; keeping an inventory; etc. Topics include: Top 6-7 most important instruments, timpani,...
-
Episode 17. Strategies for Personal and Professional Development
This episode, hosted by Raynor Carroll, Founder and CEO of ABOP, focuses on key elements in transitioning from a student to professional life. Guests in this episode include Ricky Burkhead, Terry McKinney, Joseph Mitchell, and Don Parker. Topics include: Self assessment, reality and…
more -
Episode 16. Tales from the Orchestra’s Rear
This episode, hosted by Raynor Carroll, Founder and CEO of ABOP, showcases narratives set in the everyday life of a symphony orchestra, as seen through the eyes of the percussionists. The guests feature ABOP Founders: Douglas Cardwell, who previously served as the timpanist for the New Mexico...
-
Episode 15. ABOP At PASIC 2024
This episode, hosted by ABOP Founder & CEO, Raynor Carroll, features interviews from the floor of the exhibit hall of the Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC). PASIC is held annually and presented by the Percussive Arts Society (PAS). PAS is a nonprofit music-service...
-
Episode 14. Orchestral Percussion Playbook
This episode, presented by former Principal Percussionist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Raynor Carroll, offers insight and suggestions on being creative when performing a wide variety of standard orchestral literature. Repertoire includes: Rhapsody in Blue, Shostakovich Symphony No. 10…
more -
13. Timpani in the Baroque
Episode 13. Timpani in the Baroque. This episode, hosted by Raynor Carroll, introduces the kettledrums (timpani) into the symphony orchestra. Guests include: Douglas Cardwell, Former Principal Timpanist, New Mexico Philharmonic; Michael Crusoe, Former Principal Timpanist, Seattle Symphony. The...
-
Episode 12. The Black Percussion Educator, Part 2
Hosted by Raynor Carroll, this episode offers experience-based advice on teaching percussion. Guests include: Ricky Burkhead, Professor of Music and Director of Percussion Studies, University of Mississippi; Quintin Mallette, Assistant Professor of Percussion, East Carolina University; and Don...
-
Episode 11. The Black Percussion Educator, Part 1
Episode 11. The Black Percussion Educator, Part 1. This episode, hosted by Raynor Carroll, offers experience-based advice on teaching percussion. Guests include: Ricky Burkhead, Professor of Music and Director of Percussion Studies, University of Mississippi; Quintin Mallette, Assistant Professor...
-
Episode 10. Protégés
Episode 10 of the Alliance of Black Orchestral Percussionists (ABOP) Podcast series features a discussion with six ABOP Protégés: Jakalin Bryant, Torrance Buntyn, Jr., Alexa Clawson, Gabriel Harvey, London Johnson, and Shain McDougald, Jr. Hosted by Torrance, the discussion includes: ABOP-in-LA...
-
Episode 9. Christopher Hart
Episode 9 of the Alliance of Black Orchestral Percussionists (ABOP) Podcast series features an interview with Christopher Hart, ABOP Advisor, and Manager of Communications and Relationships, Remo Inc. Co-hosted by ABOP Founder Raynor Carroll and ABOP Advisor Don Parker, the discussion focuses on...
-
Episode 8. JOSH JONES
Episode 8 of the Alliance of Black Orchestral Percussionists (ABOP) Podcast series features an interview with ABOP Founder and Grant Park Symphony Principal Percussionist, Josh Jones. Hosted by ABOP Founder Raynor Carroll, Josh talks about his first drumset, developing a practice routine…
more -
Episode 7. Founders Roundtable II
Episode 7 of the Alliance of Black Orchestral Percussionists (ABOP) Podcast series, features a roundtable discussion with ABOP Founders, Tim Adams, Douglas Cardwell, Michael Crusoe, Josh Jones, Johnny Lee Lane, and the host, Raynor Carroll. This roundtable discussion continues the theme from the...
-
Episode 6. ABOP PROTÉGÉS
Episode 6 of the Alliance of Black Orchestral Percussionists (ABOP) Podcast series, features a conversation with ABOP Protégés, Torrance Buntyn Jr., Jakalin Bryant, London Johnson, and special guest, Andrea Stain. Torrance leads a conversation about their experiences as young Black…
more -
Episode 5. Michael Crusoe
ABOP Founder, Michael Crusoe, shares his experiences on and off stage as Principal Timpanist with the Seattle Symphony. Topics include: Symphony, Opera, and Studio work; growing up in St. Louis; interest in classical music; Mr. Crusoe’s teachers; teaching at the University of Washington…
more -
Episode 4 - Douglas Cardwell
Episode 4 of the Alliance of Black Orchestral Percussionists (ABOP) Podcast series features a discussion with ABOP Founder and Mentor, Douglas Cardwell. Along with the host, Raynor Carroll, Mr. Cardwell talks about: Lotus Sound Bath, growing up in Virginia, choosing the drums, classical music,...
-
Founders Roundtable
The Founders, all Black classical musicians, share their stories on the factors and elements that aided and guided them in reaching their goals.
-
Part 2 with Professor Johnny Lee Lane
Part 2 of a two-part conversation with Professor Johnny Lee Lane. Prof Lane, known to many as one of the nation's foremost college percussion educators, talks about the US Percussion Camp, how he connects with and prepares his students, and his thoughts on being inducted into the Percussive Arts...
-
Part 1 with Professor Johnny Lee Lane
Part 1 of a two-part conversation with Professor Johnny Lee Lane. Prof Lane, known to many as one of the nation's foremost college percussion educators, talks about his early influences, education, and positions with Tennessee State University, and Eastern Illinois University. Co-hosted by Raynor...
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
Featuring conversations and discussions on life experiences, learning moments, music, and a dash of drums—all from personalities and friends from the world of symphonic percussion.ABOP is the Alliance of Black Orchestral Percussionists, a nonprofit organization that focuses on mentoring future generations of Black percussionists.
HOSTED BY
Alliance of Black Orchestral Percussionists - ABOP
CATEGORIES
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does ABOP PODCAST have?
ABOP PODCAST currently has 37 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is ABOP PODCAST about?
Featuring conversations and discussions on life experiences, learning moments, music, and a dash of drums—all from personalities and friends from the world of symphonic percussion.ABOP is the Alliance of Black Orchestral Percussionists, a nonprofit organization that focuses on mentoring future...
How often does ABOP PODCAST release new episodes?
ABOP PODCAST has 37 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to ABOP PODCAST?
You can listen to ABOP PODCAST on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts ABOP PODCAST?
ABOP PODCAST is created and hosted by Alliance of Black Orchestral Percussionists - ABOP.
URL copied to clipboard!