In Memoriam: Alan Abel 1928-2020

Remembering Alan Abel
1928-2020

By: Angela Nelson
Associate Principal Timpani & Section Percussion, The Philadelphia Orchestra

Alan Abel
Associate Principal Percussionist: The Philadelphia Orchestra (1959 – 1997)

We mourn the passing but celebrate the life and generosity of percussionist Alan Abel. Abel spent the majority of career (1959-1997) as Associate Principal Percussion of the Philadelphia Orchestra. One could also argue that he developed and taught the most successful studio of orchestral percussionists of all time at Temple University between the years of 1973-2019.

I auditioned for Abel in 1997 and knew immediately that if I was accepted into the Master’s program at Temple University, I absolutely had to attend.  All of Abel’s graduate student’s auditions were similar in that they were less of an audition and more of a lesson where he offered advice, but also gathered information regarding how quickly and easily his potential students adjusted to his suggestions.  His suggestions were always “eye-opening” and “mind-blowing”.  No one could explain and teach like Alan Abel could.

Abel was renowned for his meticulous yet musical advice.  One moment he could take out a ruler to offer advice on “stick height” in a snare drum excerpt and another moment he could explain how to shape the perfect musical phrase in a Bach Violin Sonata on the marimba. He opened my eyes and helped me understand my role as a musical percussionist.

I’ll never forget the countless hours he spent teaching me.  I’ll never forget the feeling of pride in being able to announce to Abel that I had won the position he had just retired from.  I’ll never forget the summer he trusted me to spend every day in his home studio practicing and preparing for my first year in his past position with the Philadelphia Orchestra.  And I’ll never forget Mr. and Mrs. Abel’s attendance at my Chicago based wedding to percussionist David Nelson – we did meet in Abel’s studio after all!   His generosity coupled with his joyful spirit filled my heart with such knowledge and passion for performing that it’s impossible to NOT hear Alan Abel in my playing during each and every concert. His voice will live on through the performances of his students forever.  His character will live on through our generosity to others.