Alan Abel (musician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alan Abel
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Alan Abel performing in 2015
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| Background information | |
| Born | December 6, 1928 Hobart, Indiana, U.S. |
| Died | April 25, 2020 (aged 91) Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Genres | classical music |
| Occupation(s) | percussionist |
| Instruments | triangle, snare drum, bass drum |
| Years active | 1951–2020 |
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Alan Abel (born December 6, 1928 – died April 25, 2020) was a very important American musician. He was a percussionist, which means he played instruments like drums and triangles. He was also a music teacher and even invented some cool musical tools!
Alan Abel played with the famous Philadelphia Orchestra for many years, from 1959 until he retired in 1997. He is known as one of the best percussion teachers of his time. He taught music at Temple University starting in 1972. His inventions include special triangles and a unique stand for the bass drum.
Contents
Early Life and Music Training
Alan Abel was born in Hobart, Indiana, in 1928. He loved music from a young age. He studied with great teachers like Clarence Carlson, Haskell Harr, and William Street.
He went to the Eastman School of Music from 1947 to 1951. While he was studying there, he also played part-time with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. This helped him get real-world experience.
His Amazing Career
After finishing his studies, Alan Abel joined the United States Air Force Band. He played music for the Air Force from 1951 to 1953.
Then, he performed with the Oklahoma City Symphony from 1953 to 1959. In 1959, he joined the Philadelphia Orchestra. This was a big step in his career. He stayed with this orchestra until he retired in 1997. In 1972, he became the Associate Principal Percussionist, a very important role.
Alan Abel was also recognized for his talent and contributions. In 1998, he was added to the Percussive Arts Society Hall of Fame. This is a special honor for percussionists. In 2012, he received an honorary Doctor of Music degree from the New England Conservatory of Music.
Besides playing, he was a dedicated teacher. He taught at Rutgers University, Rowan University, and Temple University. He helped many young musicians learn to play percussion instruments.
Inventing Cool Instruments
Alan Abel was not just a player and teacher; he was also an inventor! He created two very important musical tools that many orchestras use today.
The Famous Triangle
Before Alan Abel, another percussionist had a special triangle that sounded amazing. Alan Abel wanted to create a triangle that sounded just as good. He found a way to make a similar sound using a piece of shiny metal called chromed brass.
He started making his "Alan Abel triangle" in 1963. It makes a rich, ringing sound with lots of overtones. This triangle is now used by musicians all over the world!
The Suspended Bass Drum Stand
In the early 1960s, Alan Abel also invented a special stand for the bass drum. He made these stands himself for many years. This stand holds the bass drum using rubber bands, allowing it to hang freely.
This "suspended" design helps the bass drum make a much better sound. It lets the drum vibrate more freely. Most American symphonic orchestras now use this type of stand. Many other companies have copied his clever idea because it works so well.
A Sad Farewell
Alan Abel passed away on April 25, 2020. He was 91 years old. He died due to health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic in Pennsylvania.
See also
In Spanish: Alan Abel (músico) para niños
