Annie Gnojek has been a music educator and professional flutist in the Lawrence, KS and Kansas City area for 20 years. In that time, she has maintained a private flute studio of over 30 students ranging from 5-75 years of age. Her students have won numerous competitions at the local, state, and national level. Many of her students have gone on to pursue degrees in Music Education and Flute Performance. In addition to her private teaching, Annie has also been an adjunct professor at both Ottawa University and Benedictine College. Beyond her teaching career, Annie has also been a member of the professional flute, oboe, and piano trio Allegresse for the past 16 years. Allegresse has performed countless concerts across the United States and abroad. She is also the co-founder of the Lawrence community flute choir, and the Rock Chalk Flutes, which had their debut performance in April, 2022. Annie holds both a Bachelor and Master’s degree in Flute Performance from the University of Kansas. Annie is excited to join the Mid-America Performing Arts Alliance (MAPAA) board of directors. She has always committed herself to inspiring young musicians and enriching the lives of others, and the community, through classical music. She has known Jesse Henkensiefken since they attended the University of Kansas together and looks forward to building the MAPAA brand with a close colleague and friend.