Continuing to Serve Through Music

by Stephanie Struyck Elgin

Her songs are straight from the soul, and her music, the language of the heart.  Her sweet melodies captivate your spirit, and her talent is endless.  Santa Clarita resident, Mandie Pinto, is a young and talented artist whose voice is dynamic, beautiful and a true gift from God.
Mandie’s love for music came at a young age.  She began taking piano lessons at the age of 8, which lead into voice training.  Just six years later, Mandie felt the calling to minister through music and began singing at churches throughout the San Fernando Valley.  Since then, Mandie has performed at many churches and venues all over the United States.
Mandie has recorded and released seven solo albums- Angel Eyes, Someday, Count All Your Blessings, Better Things, Where You Are and In The Garden – Hymns of Serenity, Let it Rain-Live Recording from Capitol Records. She produced and arranged many of the songs on her albums and has recorded for her alma mater Los Angeles Baptist High School, Azusa Pacific University, as well as for Shepherd of the Hills and the Crystal Cathedral.  
Mandie also graced her musical talent at Dr. Robert Schuller’s Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove where she performed on the Hour of Power for seven years beginning in 1997.  She also appeared as a soloist in the Crystal Cathedral’s production of the Glory of Christmas from 1996 until 2000.  Mandie will be performing at the Crystal Cathedral on February 6 this year.
“I enjoy the freedom and therapy in singing,” states Mandie.  “It is thrilling, challenging, joyful and an expression of who I am.  I feel that music and I are very much connected, almost as if we are one.  For me, singing and writing are ways for me to relate to others, bless others, encourage others and most importantly, honor God.”  
With Mandie’s powerful voice and ability to belt out notes like none other, it’s no surprise she has been invited to perform at many sporting events.  Mandie’s rendition of the National Anthem and Canadian Anthem are simply astonishing and leaves you with goose bumps.  Mandie has performed throughout Southern California, including the Staples Center for the Los Angeles Kings and Los Angeles Lakers, Anaheim Stadium for the Los Angeles Angels, Arrowhead Pond for the Mighty Ducks, Dodger Stadium for the Los Angeles Dodgers and the World’s Women’s Tennis, U.S. Olympic Swim Trials and the U.S. Olympic Men’s Gymnastic Finals.    
Mandie is currently working on many different projects.  “I continue to write and am a full time worship leader for Real Life Church where we are building that ministry by the minute it seems,” states Mandie.  “ I also do professional session work and have artist clients that I work with in the industry.”  Mandie performs throughout the week, all while managing a home with her husband Jeremy and their adorable almost two-year-old daughter, Bridgette. “My plans for the future are to continue serving in my community vocally, recording another record hopefully later this year and live up to the job of being a loving wife and mother.  I don’t want to take life too seriously, but enjoy the ride a bit more so I can take in every moment.”