Music has been described as the language that transcends all barriers. It is not at all surprising that Varetta Heidelberg has emerged with a vital and compelling message through melodies of compassion that inspire, comfort and bring hope, as well as enjoyment. Not at all concerned with the boundaries of style, she speaks many different musical languages from classical to jazz. Varetta received her bachelor's degree from Jackson State University and a certificate of completion from the celebrated Dick Grove School of Music. She is an accomplished songstress and musician, but is not limited to that realm. She is the founder/director of Instruments of Praise, a non-profit organization endeavoring to train young artists for ministry through the arts. She has received numerous honors including "Most Outstanding Instrumentalist" at the Estes Park Christian Artist Seminars and the title of "Miss Black America." Varetta is recognized for her soothing voice, articulate sax riffs and Latin jazz flute renditions. Her arrangements bring new life and flavor to traditional songs, and her originals give evidence of her abilities as a composer as well as a performer. Her first three albums are " Give Him Praise", "Melodies of Christmas" and "Holy." "Light in the Midst of Darkness" is her fourth project and will definitely exceed your every expectation. It is comprised of thirteen songs that are a personal expression of what God has done and is doing in Varetta's life. Her dedication to her call leads into diverse settings such as prisons, jails and juvenile facilities, as well as churches and concert halls. Her gifts are an expression of God's gracious love and are portrayed in a ministry of excellence. Varetta had a vision this is what she said about that vision:"One day a friend said that he had a word for me from God. The word was 'Instruments of Praise'. He said that he didn't know exactly what it meant, but that he was sure it would be revealed in time. Later that year I was on Bohol Island in the Phillippines doing outreach ministry. One afternoon a group of youngsters came to welcome me to their village. They were playing a march they had learned with tarnished and half-broken instruments. I was amazed at their abilities and touched by their determination. The next morning the Lord clearly brought back the words 'Instruments of Praise'. I sat outside my neepa hut and wrote page after page as parts of the vision began to be unfolded...I would train children and youth who would one day travel throughout the world, ministering the gospel through the arts. In May 1990 Instruments of Praise was born". Her Fulfillment , Since the beginning there have been hundreds of kids who's gifts have been inspired, who's skills have been enhanced, who's visions have been broadened and who's lives have been touched by Instruments of Praise and this magnificient talented woman. Through the years she has had the honor of working with numerous other artists who have joined her in investing in many young lives. Not only has the arts been used to teach technique and develop students for effective ministry, but it has also helped strenghthen their relationship with Christ, bring about transformation, develop a sense of accountability and provide purpose for their gifts. One of her greatest joys is seeing past and present students understanding their purpose, fulfilling their call, and now bearing fruit of their own. Today, numerous students continue making a difference through the arts by using their gifts and talents in their local church, at various outreach venues as well as in other countries throughout the world...thus fullfilling the kingdom purpose of IOP. Today her Instruments of praise is enrolling high school students for the contemporary orchestra of young artists. Varetta lives in Southern California with her husband, Levi and their two children, Ayanna and Jarren.