Diya Ghayal has been immersed and passionate about all types of music from a young age. After attending Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Dallas, TX, Diya pursued her Bachelors of Music Education (Choral Concentration) at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. There, she was given the opportunity to be teaching assistant for the “University Chorus” and section-leader for several ensembles. She was also music director for the premiere South Asian co-ed a cappella group: “Illini Awaaz”. Diya worked to integrate various South Asian cultures and musical styles with Western genres through her arrangements and teaching; she has received several awards for her arrangements, and has helped her team compete and place at the national level. Throughout her college years, Diya was also a mentee in the “Future Music Educators” program, which allowed her to be active in the Uniting Voices workshops, programs, and events. She looks forward to teaching Prelude (Lincoln Park), Austin Neighborhood Choir Program, and in-school programs.