Alán Saúl Saucedo Estrada holds cello performance degrees from the Escuela Superior de Musica y Danza de Monterrey, Scola Municipal de Musica “Victoria dels Angels” in Barcelona, and Shenandoah University in Winchester, VA. He has been a prize winner in several music competitions, including the Second Yokohama International Music Competition in Japan. He has appeared in recitals in Paraguay, Brazil, Japan, Mexico, Portugal, Spain, and the USA and given presentations at the Smithsonian museum, the Kennedy Center, and the White House. Dr. Saucedo recently published a book entitled “The Influence of Carlos Prieto on Contemporary Cello Music” based on his investigation of Latin American classical cello music . This book is currently for sale in all major bookstores around the world. Dr. Saucedo’s commitment to education has brought him to different countries, including Mexico, Spain, Paraguay, and the U.S. Dr. Saucedo currently co-direct the strings program at the Highland School and teaches at the Shenandoah Conservatory Arts Academy and the Music School of the Piedmont. He is artistic director of the Middleburg Concert Series, plays in the Roanoke Symphony, and often collaborates with ensembles and orchestras in the D.C. area. A strong advocate of Latin American music, Dr. Saucedo often premieres and includes music by new Latin American composers in his lectures and presentations. He is also a member of the Mexican Vitali string quartet, a group dedicated to the performance and promotion of Latin American classical music.