ABOP-in-LA 2026

MASTER CLASSES and WORKSHOPS, June 23-26

A series of six classes will be presented to the protégés. Aside from technical sessions, the repertoire will be centered on the works performed on the June 27th Joint Concert (see below). Session topics will include: Tambourine, Score Study, Timpani Strokes, Mallet Selection, Q&A, and Changing and Clearing Timpani Heads. The sessions will be led by:

• Torrell Moss: ABOP Mentor, Principal Percussion, Ashland and Mansfield Symphony Orchestras
• Wesley Sumpter: ABOP Mentor, Assistant Principal Percussion, Los Angeles Philharmonic
• Raynor Carroll: ABOP Co-Founder, CEO, and Mentor, retired Principal Percussion, Los Angeles Philharmonic
  

Protégés will participate in a mock audition focused on repertoire from the week’s activities (see Joint Concert repertoire below). The audition panel will consist of guest instrumentalists that will provide valuable feedback to the protégés.
Please note: The above workshops and master classes are by invitation only.

On Friday, June 26, ABOP will host a Conductors Workshop. This free session, led by Raynor Carroll, will delve into the orchestral percussion section—instruments, personnel, and logistical considerations. The workshop will prioritize practical information for conductors, providing valuable insights into mallets, sound production, ensemble dynamics, principal duties, and optimal set-up. A diverse array of percussion instruments will be demonstrated, including timpani, bass drum, snare drum, tom-toms, cymbals, tam-tams, gongs, tambourine, triangle, castanets, woodblock, glockenspiel, xylophone, vibraphone, and chimes.

Attendees are encouraged to submit any questions they may have to the provided email (info@abop.us) prior to the workshop.

Date & Time: June 26, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Location: First Presbyterian Church of Altadena, 2775 Lincoln Ave, Altadena, 91001
Parking: Church lot and street parking
Tickets and registration: FREE at Eventbrite.  Donations are appreciated.

JOINT CONCERT, June 27

ABOP protégés will conclude the week’s classes and activities by collaborating with members of the Inner City Youth Orchestra Los Angeles (ICYOLA) and the Loyola Law School Orchestra (LLSO). The collective ensemble will present a free performance showcasing repertoire studied throughout the week. Music Directors Charles Dickerson (ICYOLA) and Simona Grossi (LLSO) will guide the ensemble in a program featuring:

• Nokuri: Afrospire (new composition by USC student, Bakhari Nokuri)
• Dvorak: Carnival Overture (excerpt)
• Beethoven: Symphony No. 1, III. Mvt., Menuetto
• Respighi: Pines of Rome, I Mvt.
• Shostakovich: Age of Gold, III. Mvt., Polka
• Prokofiev: Lt. Kijé Suite, I. Mvt.
• Kodály: Háry János Suite, VI. Mvt., Entrance of the Emperor and His Court
• Britten: Peter Grimes, Four Sea Interludes, IV. Mvt., Storm
• Schuman: Symphony No. 3, Part 2, Toccata (excerpt)
• Elgar: Enigma Variations, Variation VII
• Tchaikovsky: Nutcracker Suite, Trépak – Russian Dance
• Tchaikovsky: Symphony #4, IV. Mvt., Coda

Join us for an enriching musical experience that will captivate your senses and expand your knowledge of percussion. Whether you are a seasoned percussionist or a curious newcomer, you will be delighted by the diverse array of musical performances and gain insights into the masterful use of various instruments by renowned composers in their orchestral compositions.

Date & Time: June 27, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Location: Beckmen YOLA Center, 101 South La Brea Avenue, Inglewood, 90301
Parking: City lot behind the Center
Tickets and registration: FREE at Eventbrite.  Donations are appreciated.

Thank You!

A special thank you to our wonderful supporters: Kim Noltemy, CEO and President of the LA Phil;  Sabrina Lynn Motely, Director of the Smithsonian Folklife Festival; Kenny Park; Ella Fitzgerald Foundation; Black Swamp Percussion; Cooperman; Freer Percussion; Innovative Percussion; Insoundmallets; Majestic Percussion; Malletech; Marimba One; Remo, Sabian; Vic Firth; and Zildjian.