CONNIE SALAZAR

Connie is a member of CAM, The Catholic Association of Musicians, and has been involved in music ministry for twenty years. "My love and desire to know God greatly increased while in high school and during that time I became very involved in my church, especially the youth choir. I discovered a wonderful way to share my gift; I could help lead people in sung prayer and give glory to God. I knew it was my calling." Since then, she has continued her ministry as cantor for churches throughout Southern California. She has also acted as cantor for various archdiocesan liturgies, including ordinations.

In 1994, Connie graduated from Mount St. Mary's College in Los Angeles with a Bachelor of Music degree with an emphasis in church music. In 1995 she joined the Coro de Los Angeles, which was formed for World Youth Day in 1993. Because of her versatility and lovely voice, she was invited to sing on recordings of nationally renowned Catholic composers Bob Hurd, Jaime Cortez and Eleazar Cortez.

Connie has been asked to share her music at Young Adult, Religious Education, Eucharistic, Liturgical and Marian Conferences. In order to meet the overwhelming demand by conference attendees and parishioners to record her music, she released her first compact disc entitled "I Heard A Gentle Call" in 1997. With its contemplative mood and gentle spirit, the album evokes a prayerful and relaxing tone. Diocesan priest Father Patrick Rudolph contributed four beautiful songs to the collection, including the title song.

Connie's new release, "Journey of Faith", offers a broad variety of music, from Father Patrick's ever joyful "Magnificat", to the contemporary songs "There's and Angel" and "Who Do You Say That I Am?", written by Southern California composer Cheryl Aranda. Also included are two classic favorites, "Amazing Grace" and "How Great Thou Art." This compilation highlights Connie's interpretive style, as is evident on the album's poignant final song, "It Will Be Worth It All", written by Tommy Walker. This collection is sure to please young and old alike!

You can listen to Connie's music on EWTN Global Catholic Radio's daily music show "Catholic Jukebox".