BUSY SUMMER FOR ABOP AND OUR PROTÉGÉS

This year, for the first time, ABOP extended its annual ABOP-in-LA intensive from a week to two weeks. In between the two weeks of L.A. activities, ABOP flew to Washington, D.C., where they participated in a week of workshops, master classes, and performances at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. After some well-deserved time off, the Protégés then reconvened in L.A. for another week of activities, which included:

• Rehearsals and a performance with the Inner City Youth Orchestra Los Angeles (ICYOLA) at Walt Disney Concert Hall.
• Q&A Workshops with Joseph Mitchell III, L.A. freelance percussionist; Johnny Lee Lane, renowned percussion educator; Richard Walker, percussionist and Dean of Students, Art Center College of Design; and David Riccobono, Assistant Principal Timpani, LA Phil.
• Master Classes with Johnny Lee Lane (snare drum), and Michael Crusoe (timpani), former Principal Timpani, Seattle Symphony.
• Shopping at Professional Drum Shop in Hollywood.
• Dinner and a performance by the LA Phil of The Planets at the world-famous Hollywood Bowl.