Washburn University Music Faculty Earns National Award

Topeka, Kan. - The American Prize National Nonprofit Competitions in the Performing Arts has awarded Washburn University's Director of Bands Dr. Anya Pogorelova the 2024 American Prize in Conducting for band/wind ensemble. This award distinguishes Pogorelova as among the best in the country for her craft.

"Dr. Pogorelova is an integral part of the success of the band program at Washburn University," said Dr. John Fritch, provost and vice president of academic affairs, Washburn. "I'm pleased to see her recognized in this way. Washburn University has such talented and skilled faculty who work with students every day to help them realize and achieve their goals."

Along with being the director of bands, Pogorelova teaches courses in music education, conducting and directs the Marching Ichabods, University Band and the Washburn Wind Ensemble. Prior to joining the music faculty at Washburn, she taught at the middle school, high school and collegiate level in Saskatchewan, Georgia and Missouri. As a passionate advocate for access to music education for all, Pogorelova is the founder of the Topeka New Horizons Band and previously served as the assistant director of the Roeland Park New Horizons Band. She maintains an active schedule as a clinician and guest conductor throughout the country and is consistently inspired by the next generation of young musicians. Pogorelova holds her Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Education from the University of Saskatchewan, a master's degree in conducting from Georgia State University, and a master's degree in musicology and doctorate in conducting from the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory.

"The band is a symbolic part of the collegiate experience, much in the same way this national recognition is symbolic of all the heart and energy Anya pours into her students and their experience at Washburn," said Dr. Craig Treinen, chair and director of jazz studies, Washburn. "From the classroom to the marching band field, Anya ensures absolute quality for her students and our community."

The American Prize National Nonprofit Competitions in the Performing Arts is the nation's most comprehensive series of contests in the performing arts. The American Prize is unique in scope and structure, designed to recognize and reward the best performing artists, directors, ensembles and composers in the United States at professional, college/university, community and high school levels, based on submitted recordings. The American Prize was founded in 2010 and is awarded annually in many areas of the performing arts. Thousands of artists from all 50 states have derived benefit from their participation in the contests of The American Prize, representing literally hundreds of communities and arts organizations across the nation. Learn more about the award and other categories of winners at https://theamericanprize.org/.

October Music Events

There are many opportunities to enjoy free music on the Washburn University campus. These performances feature Washburn students and faculty, are free and the public is invited.

Oct. 2: Washburn String Festival, 6:30 p.m., White Concert Hall

Oct. 4: Washburn String Concert, 6 p.m., White Concert Hall

Oct. 6: Washburn Vox Aura Concert, 7:30 p.m., Grace Episcopal Cathedral, 701 S.W. 8th Ave.

Oct. 10: Washburn Jazz Ensembles Concert, 7:30 p.m., White Concert Hall

Oct. 11: Organ Recital: David and Audrey Pickering, 7:30 p.m., White Concert Hall

Oct. 12: Washburn Baroque Bash, 4 p.m., White Concert Hall

Oct. 21: Washburn Low Brass Ensemble, 7:30 p.m., White Concert Hall

Oct. 22: Washburn Chorale Concert, 7:30 p.m., Grace Episcopal Cathedral, 701 S.W. 8th Ave.

Oct. 30: Washburn Symphony Orchestra Concert, 7:30 p.m., White Concert Hall

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