"When I was in college, I began classical voice training and thought to myself, 'How can I use this talent to serve God?' For my senior recital, I decided to end my concert with a song that truly exemplified who I am and who God is in my life. However, I didn't know what that song could be! I prayed and asked God to give me a song that would be a perfect ending to my recital; and then I came across "Give Me Jesus" arranged by Mark Hayes and it couldn't have been more perfect! I didn't think there were songs out there that a soprano like me could sing and glorify the Lord all in one. I began falling in love with all of Mark Hayes' music. I knew from then on that my purpose was to go out into the world and use my voice not only for operas and musicals but to serve others through music by singing about the one who had given up His life for me."  

                                        ~Valerie Salcedo