Alan Abel

Alan Abel (b. Hobart, 1928 - ) – Percussionist. Born and raised in Hobart, Indiana, Alan Abel studied music in Chicago before moving on to Eastman, from which he graduated in 1951. While attending Eastman, he played with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and then with the U.S. Air Force Band following graduation. From 1953 to 1959, he was a percussionist with the Oklahoma Symphony Orchestra, while teaching at the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University. Starting in 1959, he served as third percussionist with the Philadelphia Orchestra and then became principal associate percussionist in 1972. In 1997, he retired from the orchestra after around forty years of service, playing under Eugene Ormandy and Riccardo Muti. Abel has also taught at numerous institutions, including Temple University where he has been an Adjunct Professor since 1973. Lastly, Abel designed a symphonic triangle and the suspended bass drum stand and has compiled orchestral excerpt books for timpani and other percussion instruments.