Anya Pogorelova is the Director of Bands at Washburn University where she 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, Anya 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, Anya 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. Most recently, Anya was selected as the winner of The American Prize in Conducting, college/university wind ensemble division. She is a proud alumna of the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory (DMA, MM), Georgia State University (MM), and the University of Saskatchewan (BM Hons, BEd).