Rhythm was the first language Diana Sáez’s family introduced to her. That gift paved the way for her lifelong love affair with music–and with time, cemented her passion for music education.
Now, after years of collecting and lovingly using various annotated Oxford anthologies of choral music, Sáez will add another to her bookshelf–except this time, her name and knowledge will live within its pages as an editor.
“I remember dreaming of doing something like this,” Sáez says. “Over the years, I purchased beautiful Oxford anthologies of choral music of different topics–madrigal music from Italy, sacred music from across Europe and more. This is truly a full circle moment.”
Diversifying music history education
In her role as director of choral activities in the College of Fine Arts and Communications’ Music Department, Sáez directs the University Chorale, Women’s Choir and Choral Society.
Sáez infuses her passion for studying the historical contexts of Latin American music and rhythms into her choral teaching and collaborative projects.
“Something people assume about Latin American music is that it is all about movement and fun. But because of Spain and Portugal’s colonization of Latin America, there is also a significant influence from composers like Mozart,” she says.
Sáez's curiosity led her to co-edit the “Oxford Book of Latin American Choral Music,” with professor and co-editor José Rivera, Ph.D., of the University of North Carolina. Set to publish in February 2027, the book will illustrate Latin America's historical influence on choral music.
The project builds on Sáez's existing knowledge and evolving understanding of Latin American musical influence on a broader scale, making it accessible to musicians and educators worldwide.