Abel, Alan

Alan Abel

Biography

Born: August 02, 1924 - Zanesville, Ohio, U.S.A.

Country: Zanesville, Ohio, U.S.A.

Studies: Ohio State University (1950)

Teachers: M. Whitcomb, J. Evans, D. McGiness

Mention: Inducted into the Percussive Arts Society (1998) PAS Hall of Fame

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Former Associate Principal Percussionist of the Philadelphia Orchestra, Alan Abel retired in September 1997 after 38 years of service. He currently works with graduate students at Temple University and gives master classes at Rutgers University. Abel has compiled two books on orchestral studies for timpani and percussion for G. Schirmer, Inc. and has designed and produced symphonic triangles and bass drum stands that are used throughout the world. Abel has served on the PAS Board of Directors, was inducted into the PAS Hall of Fame in 1998, and is presently Chair of the PAS Symphonic Committee. He has been a faculty member of the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City University, Glassboro State College, and the Philadelphia Settlement Music School. Abel was a part-time member of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and, after two years in a U.S. Air Force Band, played in the Oklahoma City Symphony (1953–59). He has given clinics and master classes throughout the U.S., Australia, Germany, and Japan, and is still active in this medium.

Works for Percussion

20th Century Orchestra Studies for Percussion (c.1970) - Methods, Etudes, Misc.
20th Century Orchestra Studies for Timpani (c.1970) - Methods, Etudes, Misc.
Allegre Muchacho - Percussion Sextet
Ashland High - Percussion Quartet
Five-Twenty-Four Main Street - Snare Drum
Hi Ho Simpson - Snare Drum
Holiday Special - Percussion Sextet
Jennifer's Jog - Snare Drum
London Bridge - Abel - Percussion Sextet
Serenade to a Sand Dune - Percussion Sextet
The Peach Grove Drummer - Snare Drum
Tom-Tom Foolery - Percussion Quartet
Twenty-Forty's Sortie - Snare Drum
Two of a Kind (Abel) - Snare Drum Duet