Rhythmic perception and performance issues in ensembles often stem not from poor skill, but from weak internal subdivision. This session explores how deliberate focus on subdivision can tighten ensemble playing, boost confidence, and deepen rhythmic awareness, transforming both individual musicians and group cohesion. Examples of rhythm games, rehearsal techniques, teaching strategies, and real-time application to standard repertoire will be provided.
Anya Pogorelova
- Biographical Information
Dr. 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 University, 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. In 2024, Anya was selected as the winner of The American Prize in Conducting for band/wind ensemble, college/university division. Most recently, Anya was awarded the Mulvane Art Museum College of Arts & Sciences Faculty Fellowship for her innovative curriculum development and interdisciplinary work. 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, BEd).
Von Hansen (b. 1984) holds the position of Assistant Professor of Percussion at Washburn University. Dr. Hansen is a performer, composer, educator and multi-media artist. His goal is to bring joy and thought through engaging musical experiences. Von’s musical style is a synthesis of the hip-hop, jazz, rock and electronic music he grew up listening to, melded with minimalism and experimental music. Using drums, percussion, and computer processing, he creates music that grooves hard in unusual beats. Von is strongly focused on developing new music and specializes in works combining percussion and electronics.
Von is committed to increasing the educational opportunities for percussionists, and is active with the Percussive Arts Society. He has presented concerts and masterclasses at various universities and conferences including The Percussive Arts Society International Convention, Electronic Music Midwest, The Kansas City Electronic Music Alliance, The Kansas and Oklahoma Days of Percussion, The National Conference on Percussion Pedagogy, and SEAMUS.