One does not often find a musician who possesses an equal love for piano and voice. Mary Sallee has always sang and played the piano, so writing for the ensemble of piano and voice has always been second nature for her.

As a volunteer pianist and choir member at McFarlin Methodist Church, Mary was often called on to provide special music for various events. In the early nineties, she began performing with fellow choir member and soprano Leah Nellis. Inspired by her vocal timbre and musicality, Mary began writing selections for her to sing during advent and for other church events during the year.

In 1999, Mary was commissioned by the Oklahoma Music Teachers Association (OMTA) and chose to write a wedding cantata for two sopranos, one piano (four hands) and trumpet. Because the premier was received so well, she decided to make a CD, in hopes of getting it published. In 2002, she recorded and produced Every Time I Feel the Spirit, a CD comprised of her works for voice and piano, a majority which were performed by Nellis. The following September, the two were featured in a concert commemorating the anniversary of 9/11 held at Norman Sooner Theater.

Although she has not yet found a publisher for her collections of sacred songs, the works listed below are available through Acoustic Press.

Spiritual Medley of: Do, Lord and Every Time I Feel the Spirit. Arranged for soprano with piano accompaniment

This original setting of Gibran's The Prophet for mezzo soprano is perfect for a memorial or funeral service. The text speaks of someone who values music and art. Includes a short vocal cadenza. (3:29)

This original setting is set to an Epiphany text by Kathy Mash (longtime program director at McFarlin Memorial United Methodist Church in Norman). The soprano, flute and piano arrangement quotes the last phrase of We Three Kings. Also arranged for SATB with flute/piano.

This new setting to Longfellow's famous text is written for hand bells and soprano. A more effective accompaniment was later written for a 'bell' setting on a synthesizer, switching to acoustic piano for the 3rd verse through the end of the piece.

This original setting of the Lord's Prayer was written for soprano duet and piano and later arranged for SATB, SAB and soprano solo. The work is the 3rd part of A Modern Wedding Cantata for Two sopranos, Piano (4 hands) and Trumpet, commissioned by the Oklahoma Music Teachers Association in 2000.

This original setting of the Magnificat is for soprano and piano and includes a brief cadenza for the soprano at the end. (Advanced level for both parts.)

The 2nd part of A Modern Wedding Cantata includes a recitative and soprano duet set to the text of Corinthians 13: 1-8.