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(Virginia Dolan) "I have played your piano music first for my father's retirement worship service from ministry, then as a pianist in my father's interim ministry, then to my grandmother's memorial/ piano dedication service (in front of a VERY musical, church-oriented family). From the original "Pass It On" arrangement I played while my father's grandchildren went row-to-row during his service starting successions of hugs and handshakes, to my grandmother's piano dedication service where "All Hail" and "Doxology" received gasps, I have been blessed by your work and the power of piano music in worship. Now we are making our first attempt at our Presbyterian Church at Sat night, more contempory (alternative) service and again I turn first to your music. Having read your Q & A, I am encouraged by your path. I am a pediatrician with a lifelong love of piano taught to me by a loving church pianist who wanted an art form carried on. Despite my decision as physician first, then musician, I am attempting in my own way (as God directs me) to do what I can. I am a mother of an 18 and 14 year old as well. My oldest is embarking on college and as a parent, one always wants to see a well laid plan. Your story reminds me that God doesn't always work that way. Just a note to let you know how your music touches me and those around me. And to let you know how much I appreciate piano music written for more advanced talent while challenging us to "let it go" (ie. "Doxology"). May God continue to bless you, Virginia Dolan "

(Linda Poore) "Thanks again for all your wonderful music! I'm enjoying the "Open the Eyes of my Heart" book and the "Gospel Classics". A friend and I worked up a Christmas concert and it included "Ode to Joy" duet; "O Holy Night" with piano and jazz organ; "Mary Did you Know" with drums and trumpet. We have a wonderful time with your arrangements. Thanks for your ministry! Keep up the good work. "

(Jay) "I love "Here's One", i am singing it in my vocal group in college. The piece is written beautifully and i love the piano part. Thnank you for writting such an amazing song."

(Anna Lechliter) "Hi Mark, I am the choral director at First Congregational Church, Emporia, Kansas. I sang under your direction several years ago in a choir at Coffevyille's First Presbyterian Church when Vaughn Lippoldt was director. It was a memorable event! I enjoy your choral arrangements for church choir and have purchased several of your works for our choir here in Emporia. We did "And the Father Will Dance" and we are currently working on "Gospel Travelin'" It is very uplifting. Thank you!"

(Florence Blattner) "I thoroughly enjoy your musical arrangements! I used one of your Christmas Books entirely as part of two hours of background music for a special event. Everyone complimented me on the beauty of the music. For church services, I enjoy your traditional hymn arrangements and those who hear them enjoy them as well. Thank you for the depth of tone the chords and key changes provide. Florence Blattner"

(Don Murphy) "I ran across the video on the Coffeyville Ks trip-performance at Presbyterian Church, Vaughn Lippoldt, director - brought back some memorable moments singing with your direction. Have relocated to Wichita, Ks and would like for you to consider coming to Wichita sometime. Hope you have a Happy New Year. "

(richardbarb@msn.com) "MARK...HERE I SIT IN KEARNEY, NE. WAITING TO DRIVE BACK TO TRILOGY, GILBERT, AZ. (OUR WINTER HOME)..THINKING THAT YOU SHOULD CONSIDER A CONCERT AT THE CENTRAL CHRISTIAN CHURCH, MESA, AZ. THEY HAVE A STRONG MUSICAL PROGRAM AND A CONGREGATION OF ABOUT 6,000, GREAT MINISTER AND WE ARE NOT MEMBERS, BUT VISITORS DURING OUR STAY IN PHOENIX.I AM STILL PLAYING YOUR MUSIC AND I LOVE IT!!FOR A TOTAL CHRISTIAN MUSIC EXPERIENCE...GET HALLELUJAH!, THE VERY BEST OF THE BROOKLYN TABERNACLE CHOIR...IT IS MY FAVORITE!! ENJOY....DICK"

(Elizabeth Roghair) "I went to your web site to find a way to thank you for making this Christmas season a musical wonder for me. I have sung at six worship services in four different places, using your arrangements, and am thrilled by the response not only from congregtions but accompanists who appreciate your artistry. Praise God that you share your joy in music so liberally! Keep going!"

(Marie) "Thank you so much for "Shepherd's Joy." We lost one of our two tenors, which changed the whole composition of our very small choir. Having such a delightful piece written for 2 part choir has given us a big boost to our morale! It is very easy, has great harmony, and we love it!! Thank you, thank you!!"

(HOLLY TRENUM) " I thouroughly enjoyed your web site. I think it's great that you have greated a christain teaching series. If I start teaching piano again, I will definately use the series. I have a question. I performed a solos of yours - " it is well with my soul", and my piano teacher at the time had a tape/cd with an orchestra backgroung for the piece. Are those still available? And are there more songs with orchestra background to perform with? Thank you."

(Marsha Matthews) "Hi Mark, I'm a new student of Dr. Shelley Batt Wiest. She said that you were a friend of hers. Well let me tell you, she has introduced me to your music. I just love it. In fact I'm playing "Go Tell It on the Mountain", at a recital that Shelley is having for all of her students on this Saturday. I have been working on your piece since August. You see I want to play it just as you wrote it, with passion and inspiration. I want the audience to be shaking their tail feathers on the way out the door. I'm also taking Harp from Shelley too. She is such a hoot and we have become fast friends. I'm going to send you a copy of our Recital Program, and I would love to have you autograph it for me, or better yet autograph maybe the first page of "Go Tell it on the Mountain". I would so much appreciate it. I've purchased several of your books and I'm so looking forward to all of your new arrangements. Do you ever play in Phoenix? The next recital is in May and I'm already looking forward to my next Mark Hayes Arrangement. Thank you for reading this long E-mail, but I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy your music. Sincerely, Marsha Matthews"

(Glenn H. Little) "Mark: Your piano arrangements inspire me to play more and more....I purchased "Majesty" many years ago and have enjoyed the arrangements. Your style allows the musician to "feel" and "experience" the music beyond simply playing. I have ordered more music!"

(barth fraker) "hey mark. This is barth fraker. I'm director of music at schweitzer umc in springfield, Missouri. We met at a sandi patty show a few years back. Just wanted to let you know that I went to a festival of keyboards tonight at a baptist church here in town, and missed you being there. Hope all is well. "

(dawn delaney) "dear mark, currently, I'm church pianist for New Hope United Methodist Church and am so appreciative of your beautiful arrangements. You've been a big help and inspiration to me. thank you. I was referred to you by Mrs Shawn Stevenson who I work with at TMC and whose husband is pastoring at Overland Park Church of the Nazarene. Thanks again for you beautiful arrangements (and challenging) sincerely, dawn delaney"

(andy) "love ur music lots of love and kisses andy xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx"

(Jefferey A. Hall) "Dear Mark, I have enjoyed transcribing [selections from your piano collections] for handbells. Hope you are pleased. Love your music! KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!! Sincerely, Jefferey A. Hall / Nashville, TN "

(Barbara Constable) "I have visited the site before but wanted to come again and see what you have added. It was instructive and encouraging to read your accounting of your writing, spiritual life, etc. because I like to share with my choir members what I know of the composers whose work we use. Your choral work occupies a significant place in our library and use. Blessings on you!"

(Ceil Oliver) "Our choir at Dauphin Way United Methodist Church in Mobile, Alabama sang "And the Father will Dance..." yesterday. What a wonderful realization...that the Father will dance over us. What inspiration. You are blessed indeed. God be with you today. "

(Marge Johnson) "I love your music and play every day. I gave a lesson on your life Mark- and our music group played your music. i continue purchasing your books. i hope to see you in concert again. You are in inspiration to many!! God Bless, Marge, 1505 Baker Atlantic, Ia 50022"

(Lisa Francis) "I wanted to let you know that I have so enjoyed using your arrangments over the past several years. After I bought my first Mark Hayes book to use for offertories I was so impressed that I now have almost all of your books in my music library. They are a joy to play from and I enjoy the challenge that many of them present to me. I pray God keeps giving you new songs and inspirations to arrange old favorites. A devoted fan, Lisa"

(Sherry Tierney) "Mark---great website! I've been one of the many pianists who have used your collections over the many years---I truly love playing your music. Wish you'd tour the west coast more often! Thank you so much for using your God-given talents for His glory, and to support His work in churches all over! You're a blessing!"

(Mandi Gurnsey) "The Song we had for our Wedding Processional on August 2, 2003 was a song I'd been playing on the piano for years...inspired 9 years ago to learn it by my older brother as he was learning it... it is one of your forever classics, Lord, Be Glorified. What an awsome piece it is. What I really wanted to tell you was that the song itself was played at our wedding by one of my little friends, Matthew Joy...this is only significant because Matthew is 7 years old. This young man was inspired by your work and said he "could feel it"...he played every note perfectly and it turned out to be the most God honoring processional song we could have picked. Thank YOu for making it available to us over these last many years...over and over people said what a wonderful song to start out with and it put the focus where it needed to be!"

(Gwendolyn Johnson) "I have played your music for the last 10-15 years for offeratories, weddings, etc, (along with other composer's arrangements too). I have been told repeatedly that your music sets the mood for the worship service & causes people to reflect & be still as they come into His presence. When approached with these comments, I remark that using my ability to be able to read & play other's inspired musical thoughts for God's glory is what having that talent is all about. However, I am so thankful & amazed that arrangers/composers like you hear those marvelous chords & counter-melodies, and then make your talents available for the rest of us to share. I consider it of the utmost honor to perform your music & each time I aim for the highest quality of execution & musical expression. Invariably you can hear a pin drop when these are being played. Please continue to publish your piano collections. May God continue to bless your ministry. P.S. "On My Knees" or "I Get On My Knees" would be a beautiful arrangement for a piano solo! Thank you."

(James W. Self) "Mark, I have recently been introduced to your piano arrangements - wow! I truly love your styles used in the books I have already. Am anxiously awaiting the arrival of your new Gospel Classics Solo Piano. Read through the book at the music store and feel in love with your arrangement of How Great Thou Art. Do you ever have plans to provide orchestral accompaniment tapes to play along with? I have found an artist in Houston that has some available. Keep up your great works and thank you for sharing your gift from God!"