Our Mission
The Heritage Singers of Jacksonville (HSJ) is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization of gifted singers who are dedicated to experiencing and fostering a sense of community through the preparation and performance of high quality choral music.
It is our goal, through both our repertoire and organizational structure, to be of the people, by the people, and for the people. The guiding word is in our very name: Heritage.
Through the fostering of mutual admiration, and respect within our ranks, and the selection of repertoire that is fresh and reflective of both our common and individual heritages, the Heritage Singers is, in the very best sense of the word, a community chorus.
Michael Dell, Artistic Director
Born in Jacksonville in 1959, Michael Dell received his Bachelor in Church Music degree from Stetson University (DeLand, FL) and a Master of Church Music degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (Fort Worth, TX). Additional studies were with Dr. Gerre Hancock at St. Thomas (Episcopal) Church in New York City, as well as numerous workshops and conferences. He has served churches in Texas, Alabama, and Florida, and has the good fortune of currently being Organist/Director of Music at South Jacksonville Presbyterian Church, the rehearsal home of the Heritage Singers of Jacksonville.
As a professional accompanist, Michael greatly enjoys his work with Producer Jim Goodell’s Bella Voce Cabaret. In addition to playing piano, organ, and other keyboards, and conducting church (traditional and contemporary) and community groups, Michael enjoys teaching piano and organ, and writing both music and texts as needs and opportunities arise. He is a published hymn writer and composer of organ music, and has also composed choral compositions. He has presented recitals and appeared as organ soloist with both the Huntsville (AL) Symphony Orchestra and the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra.
Michael is the proud father of Christopher, who is graduated from Sewanee School of Theology, and who recently married Shannon, a very talented art teacher and fabulous addition to the family! Michael is also richly blessed with four wonderful stepchildren: Brad, Katie, Justin, and Jessica, through his marriage to his collaborative partner, Debbie. Debbie’s gregarious personality and considerable marketing and organizational skills have contributed profoundly to the Heritage Singers of Jacksonville.
Board of Directors
Jess McCrosky
President
Vice President
Melissa McCrosky
Secretary
Melissa McCrosky has been a member of The Heritage Singers of Jacksonville since 2014 and is a past president of The Heritage Singers of Jacksonville Board of Directors. She sings alto and views Mondays as the best day of every week (rehearsal night!). She began singing in school and church choirs in elementary school and never stopped.
Ms. McCrosky is a high school counselor for Clay County District Schools, where she has worked for over 25 years.
Faye Harrington
Treasurer
Deborah Dell
Assistant to the Director
President, Owner, Sage Advice Industries, Inc. Estate Sale Management
Deborah Dell, alto, began singing in choirs as a child and is very proud to be the founding manager of The Heritage Singers of Jacksonville. Her love for choral music was tremendously influenced by her college choral director, Dr. Charles Gaines, who organized a tour with her college choral group to sing in several cathedrals in Europe. Ms. Dell especially enjoys the exposure to the new and varied repertoire that is practiced and presented each season with The Heritage Singers of Jacksonville.
Ms. Dell, a native of Jacksonville, is the owner of an estate sale management company, Sage Advice Sales, that helps with the organization and liquidation of estates which are being downsized or that have been inherited. Ms. Dell spent two decades years prior to this work as a behavior analyst working with children and adults with developmental disabilities with a focus on working with individuals with autism spectrum disorders. In addition, she employed as many as 60 people who provided in home supports for people with developmental disabilities.
Members at Large
Barb Ebers
JoAnn Anderson
Vicki Connell