Dr. Herbert Jones, Director of The Heritage Gospel Chorale of Pittsburgh since its founding, is one of the nation’s foremost figures in choral conducting and pedagogy. Dr. Jones has cultivated multifaceted career as a choral conductor, educator, scholar, operatic bass, liturgical dancer, orator, pastor.  He has taught middle school through university levels, performed across the United States and Europe and has received many accolades for his work and achievements. Dr. Jones holds degrees in Music, Psychology, Education, Dance & Drama, culminating with a doctorate in Choral Conducting & Music Education, and with additional study in Ethnomusicology.  

Anqwenique, a versatile vocalist and teaching artist specializing in opera, classical music, jazz, and soul, is heard all over the region, from Andy’s at the Fairmount downtown, to the New Hazlett Theatre, to residency performances at the Westmoreland County Museum of American Art. She grew up in Pittsburgh, steeped in jazz as her father was a musician. A frequent teaching artist, Anqwenique is on the faculty of CLAZZ International Music Festival in Italy. She was named one of Pittsburgh’s 40 under 40 in 2017 and serves as director of programs for Arts Education Collaborative.

Singer, songwriter, teacher, choir director, actress and recording artist, Rev. Nicol “Nikki” Porter is Minister of Music at Eastminster Presbyterian Church, where she founded an after-school music program, The Judah Project, in 2005.  She sings and teaches in the US and Europe.  Nikki holds a bachelor’s degree in business from Duquesne University where she also studied piano and voice (with Maureen Budway) and founded Duquesne’s Gospel Choir.  An activist, Rev. Porter has worked with various local and national groups. In 2019, Pittsburgh’s YWCA awarded Rev. Porter with their Racial Justice Awards Common Ground Award for her work in racial reconciliation.

Dr. Alton Merrell (musical director, piano) is a world-class pianist, Hammond B-3 organist, composer, author and educator. He has performed and taught throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and parts of the Caribbean. Merrell’s musical artistry is a unique blend of lyrical melodies, rich harmonies, and fluid technique that spans multiple music genres including jazz, gospel, classical, pop, and rhythm and blues. Merrell’s musical interpretations take listeners on spirit-filled excursions that deeply touch the soul. Currently the Professor of Jazz Piano at West Virginia University, Merrell has taught students all over the world and continues to train musicians worldwide through his online school Minstrel School of Music.  

The Heritage Gospel Chorale of Pittsburgh is a multi-generational, multi-ethnic ensemble founded by Dr. Herbert V.R.P. Jones. The Chorale specializes in the performance and preservation of African-American Sacred Choral Music, Sacred Choral Music, Spirituals, Anthems, and Gospel Music. The Chorale has a seven- member Board of Directors and includes, in its Mission, collaborations with other choral and instrumental ensembles, organizations and musical entities.

Let Freedom Sing – Co-founders: Vanessa German, Herbert Jones, Kris Rust

Let Freedom Sing – Producer: Kris Rust

The Heritage Gospel Chorale – Director: Dr. Herbert Jones

MLK Festival Choir – Directors: Dr. Herbert Jones & Nikki Porter