Alan Abel | |
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![]() Alan Abel performing in 2015 | |
Background information | |
Born | December 6, 1928 Hobart, Indiana, U.S. |
Died | April 25, 2020 Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, U.S. | (aged 91)
Genres | Classical music |
Occupation(s) | Percussionist |
Years active | 1951–2020 |
Formerly of | Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Oklahoma City Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra |
Alan Abel (December 6, 1928 – April 25, 2020) was an American percussionist, music educator, and inventor of musical instruments. He was the associate principal percussionist of the Philadelphia Orchestra from 1959 until his retirement in 1997. He is widely regarded as one of the most important percussion educators of the second half of the twentieth century, having taught at Temple University beginning in 1972. Abel's inventions include several unique and ubiquitous triangles and a bass drum stand that allowed the instrument to be suspended with the use of rubber bands.