It started with a drumbeat. One note that rippled through a room of young, focused musicians. By the time the third annual ABOP-in-LA concluded on June 28, that rhythm had transformed into something larger—a collective pulse of mentorship, memory, and momentum. Hosted at the Beckmen YOLA Center, this year’s Alliance of Black Orchestral Percussionists (ABOP) immersive week wasn’t just another series of workshops. It was a reminder of what community sounds like.
Building a Future One Beat at a Time
Designed to empower the next generation of Black orchestral percussionists, ABOP-in-LA welcomed everyone from wide-eyed beginners to future pros. With free masterclasses in timpani, snare drum, mallets, and full-section repertoire, the event offered a rare glimpse into the rigorous—and soulful—discipline behind the concert stage.
Gabriel Harvey, 19, is one of those rising stars. A Protégé in the ABOP Mentorship Program, Gabriel’s story mirrors many others in the room: early exposure to percussion through school, a mentor’s timely recommendation, and a whole lot of practicing when no one was watching. “I started because my mom told me I had to play something,” he laughed. “But then I found percussion, and I’ve loved it ever since.”
For Gabriel, performing those final pieces wasn’t just another gig. “We had amazing music lined up, and sharing it with everyone was the highlight,” he said. “It wasn’t just for us—it was for the city, the mentors, and everyone who believes in what ABOP is doing.”
Masterclasses, Community, and Culture
Protégés tackled pieces by Mozart, Shostakovich, Tchaikovsky, and Ginastera, blending technical skill with emotional depth. Beyond rehearsals, connections flourished. “We bonded through music and made lasting memories,” Gabriel said. Family workshops in West African rhythms underscored ABOP’s belief in music as universal and inclusive.
Families joined in too, through open-call drumming workshops rooted in West African rhythms. Kids and parents learned side by side, reinforcing ABOP’s philosophy that music belongs to everyone. The week ended with a powerful concert co-performed by ABOP Protégés and the Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles (ICYOLA), drawing a full house and a standing ovation. “This was about showing that excellence is already here—it just needs the stage,” said co-founder Raynor Carroll.
On to D.C.—And a National Spotlight
Just days after ABOP-in-LA wrapped, the organization flew east for the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington, D.C. There, the group led family workshops, masterclasses, and even collaborated with mariachi musicians and Latin percussionists. “We’re not just learning music,” said Gabriel. “We’re learning culture—and we’re becoming better artists because of it.”
Why ABOP Matters
And the results speak volumes: partnerships with ensembles like Pasadena Community Orchestra, mentorship from LA Phil veterans like Carroll, and a growing network of alumni positioned for success.
Gabriel’s advice to young musicians? “Find what you love. Experiment. Whether it’s percussion or something else, if it speaks to you—follow it.”
His personal inspiration? “Raynor Carroll, hands down. He played with the LA Phil for years. That’s where I want to be—doing what I love for millions of people.”
To learn more, become a mentor, support the mission, or attend next year’s programming, visit abop.us
Photo credits: Photos courtesy of ABOP
