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 involvement in various musical endeavors. He discusses his time performing with the Fayetteville Symphony, teaching at Fayetteville University, and collaborating with his wife in the musical duo Double Take. Parker also touches upon his teaching of jazz and his performances in the jazz duo Hayden/Parker. Additionally, he reflects on the challenges and responsibilities of being a Black department chair in music. This insightful conversation offers a glimpse into the life and career of Don Parker.

This podcast is produced by the Alliance of Black Orchestral Percussionists (ABOP). ABOP is a nonprofit organization that focuses on mentoring future generations of Black orchestral percussionists. www.abop.us

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, Boulez, Revueltas, Britten, Chavez, Prokofiev, Copland, Mozart, Elgar, McPhee, Hindemith, and Khachaturian. Check it out! https://abop.us/abop-podcasts/

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 include fundamentals, developing different styles, listening and imitating, drumbeats every drummer should know, GET PAID, reading and interpreting, recording and gear, hand percussion, teaching, and more.

This podcast is produced by the Alliance of Black Orchestral Percussionists (ABOP). ABOP is a nonprofit organization that focuses on mentoring future generations of Black orchestral percussionists. www.abop.us

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 and Professor of Music, Georgia College and State University; and Wesley Sumpter, former LA Phil Percussion Fellow, and currently a freelance artist.

Topics include: when to begin preparations, criteria in selecting schools, getting to know your future teacher, audition requirements, seeking guidance, practicing, physical and mental wellbeing, and more.

This podcast is produced by the Alliance of Black Orchestral Percussionists (ABOP). ABOP is a nonprofit organization that focuses on mentoring future generations of Black orchestral percussionists. www.abop.us

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 ABOP’s website, lists standard repertoire required on orchestra auditions for timpani and percussion, an outline of Mr. Carroll’s recommendations, and additional information.

This podcast is produced by the Alliance of Black Orchestral Percussionists (ABOP). ABOP is a nonprofit organization that focuses on mentoring future generations of Black orchestral percussionists. www.abop.us

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, they delve into the Program, covering its origins, eligibility criteria, audition process, benefits, achievements, and its evolution over the years.

This podcast is produced by the Alliance of Black Orchestral Percussionists (ABOP). ABOP is a nonprofit organization that focuses on mentoring future generations of Black orchestral percussionists. www.abop.us

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 instruments, timpani, drums, cymbals and tam-tams, keyboards, accessories, Latin, and miscellaneous.

This podcast is produced by the Alliance of Black Orchestral Percussionists (ABOP). ABOP is a nonprofit organization that focuses on mentoring future generations of Black orchestral percussionists. www.abop.us

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 responsibility, collaboration, teamwork, problem solving, discipline, participation awards, practice log or journal, balancing work and life, short- and long-term goals, priorities, procrastination, humility, and mental health.

This podcast is produced by the Alliance of Black Orchestral Percussionists (ABOP). ABOP is a nonprofit organization that focuses on mentoring future generations of Black orchestral percussionists. www.abop.us

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 Philharmonic, and Michael Crusoe, a former timpanist with the Seattle Symphony.

Tales include: MTT vs The Helicopters, Maestro lost his toupee, Timpani that rolls on its own, Having dinner during an opera performance, Anyone need a 5 octave marimba?, Put the percussion anywhere!, Unintentional chromatic passage on the 31” timpano, Wood blocks in Symphonie Fantastique, Are we the dog or the fire hydrant? Percussion, do you have shinier cymbals?

This podcast is produced by the Alliance of Black Orchestral Percussionists (ABOP). ABOP is a nonprofit organization that focuses on mentoring future generations of Black orchestral percussionists. www.abop.us

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 organization whose mission is to inspire, educate, and support percussionists and drummers throughout the world.

Interviews include: ABOP Protégés, Founder (Joshua Jones), Advisors (Ricky Burkhead, Chris Hart, Chris Thompson), and friends and supporters of ABOP’s mission (Dean Gronemeier, Justin Johnson, Jessica Williams).

Visit ABOP’s Podcast Page on our website (www.abop.us) and click on Program Notes for this podcast for a listing of the interviews with photos, and additional information.

This podcast is produced by the Alliance of Black Orchestral Percussionists (ABOP). ABOP is a nonprofit organization that focuses on mentoring future generations of Black orchestral percussionists. www.abop.us