Alan Abel (musician)

Alan Abel
Alan Abel performing in 2015
Background information
Born	December 6, 1928 Hobart, Indiana, U.S.
Died	April 25, 2020(2020-04-25) (aged 91) Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, U.S.
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.