On my current CD I do not play any instruments. I do however play congas in church and pick around on my guitar or play on my keyboard in my spare time.

I sing Christian music on my upcoming album "River of Life" but I have been known to sing Country, Pop, Rock, and Mariachi music that is not necessarily Christian, but it is meaningful and moves me in some way, shape, or form. I listen to just about anything and everything, but my radio dial is always set to K-LOVE.

Music has always been a big part of my life. As far back as I can remember, 8-tracks of Waylon, Johnny, and Charlie were playing in the pickup truck and mom always had The Beatles or Johnny Rivers on the turntable. My own music tastes popped in of every genre imaginable. Then I discovered Christian Music. It has never really been the same. I do still enjoy all genres of music but it just has a different meaning, I look for the positive in all of it.

Well none of my family is famous, but my maternal grandmother played piano and organ in the church, the same church I attend. My mom was first chair clarinet when she was in High School and my dad played guitar. Then there are my brothers, Matt and Mark, and me of course, we all played in the High School band. My two children...they are following in mommy's footsteps, they are in the RockBand stage right now.

Ahhh, Middle School...I lived in Mexico while I was in middle school. I actually took my first guitar lessons while living there from one of my teachers, I loved it! We moved back to Texas right before I entered High School. I was in the marching band all through High School and was Drum Major my Junior and Senior year. Attending High School in a small town where everyone grew up together from pre-school on, made it hard for me to make a connection with anybody, but I had my friends and still talk to them from time to time.

Oh wow...lets go back, way back...I had performed before this, but the first time I ever played my guitar and sang a song was when I was living in Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas, Mexico. I was 12 years old. I think that is when I knew what I was going to be doing, it just hadn't hit me until we fast forward 9 years. I had just put out my first cassette demo of a mixture of Country, Pop, Rock, Christian and some Mexican ballads. I was asked to return to my old High School to perform for an assembly. I went to the grocery store in town later that afternoon with my mom and was asked for my first autograph right on the grocery store paper bag. : )

After that first performance, I performed all over town. A few years ago I performed live in a park where there were hundreds gathered, it was a benefit concert for children's literacy, it was a wonderful experience. I sang some songs, then I sang a song by Sarah Kelly, "Take Me Away" and all of the sudden I look out and people were gathered at the stage. Granted, it wasn't my song I sang at that moment, but it did what it was suppose to do...Draw people closer to God.

The first Christian music "cassette" I ever purchased was Susan Ashton's "So Far" in 1995. I was moved not only by her voice, but by the powerful songs that she sang. This prompted me to make my first accompaniment track purchase of Christian music and perform it for my church. Currently I have about 150 Christian tracks in my music library.

I did not write any of the songs on my upcoming CD, but I love how someone can put words to music and bring out all kinds of emotions in people. Christian music brings such a spiritual yet powerful message to people, you can't help but be inspired by it.

No, I have never been in any kind of band since graduating High School.

Everyone listens to music, it is the best way to reach anybody in any walk of life. In this day and age, the youth is being pulled in every direction. I hope that my music will help guide them to a better place. Help them realize that they are not alone, that there is someone Greater and more Powerful here with them that will guide them in the right direction if they just allow Him to.

My High School English teacher, Penny Jones. Not only was she my teacher during school hours, she continued to be my teacher once I graduated, and we became best friends. I can remember just about everything she ever taught me, corrected me on, or insisted that I do because she knew I would do it well. She is the one who really got me into doing public performance through U.I.L. Poetry and Prose competitions, she was an excellent instructor. She is not with us any longer, but I know that she is looking down thrilled by what I have accomplished.

I was definitely involved in band. I decided to take after my mom and play clarinet. I picked up other instruments from time to time and taught myself how to play them as well. When I was a Junior and Senior I was Drum Major, and I also won an "Outstanding Drum Major" award. The hard work paid off.

My High School English teacher, Penny Jones. Not only was she my teacher during school hours, she continued to be my teacher once I graduated, and we became best friends. I can remember just about everything she ever taught me, corrected me on, or insisted that I do because she knew I would do it well. She is the one who really got me into doing public performance through U.I.L. Poetry and Prose competitions, she was an excellent instructor. She is not with us any longer, but I know that she is looking down thrilled by what I have accomplished.

I was a tennis player and a cheerleader. Try juggling cheerleading and band! : ) Honestly, if I could have had it my way I would have tried out for the football team quarterback, but that wasn't allowed. lol

I was definitely involved in band. I decided to take after my mom and play clarinet. I picked up other instruments from time to time and taught myself how to play them as well. When I was a Junior and Senior I was Drum Major, and I also won an "Outstanding Drum Major" award. The hard work paid off.

Currently I am getting ready for the release of my first CD.
New CD: "River of Life" - Due out Nov. 2008.
Tour: TBA
Concerts: TBA
Studio: If there is a second CD in the works I will be over at Vybe Recordz in El Paso.

Patricia Ivey "River of Life" - It can be purchased online at www.patriciaiveyonline.com and
will soon be available for purchase at select online music sites.

Connect with me at:
www.myspace.com/patriciaivey or www.shoutlife.com/patriciaivey

Spending time with my family is very important to me.  I am also a photographer. You can view my work online at www.artisticaffairsphotography.com

My main purpose in recording this CD is to share the message in my music. To draw people closer to our Amazing God. He is what it is all about!
However, I do have to admit that there may be a hidden reason. Someday... when my time on earth is drawing to an end, I can sit back and reminisce on my life, and my accomplishments there in, and I will be able to say... "I did it" instead of "what if?" : )