John W. Heisey

I remember John Hersey when he directed our choir at Ohmer Park United Methodist Church and with his connection with the Dayton Boys Choir. How very sad to learn of his passing. He was truly a gift to our music community and I will never forget the DBC´s concerts at beautiful Memorial Hall. God bless you, John and we will never forget you. Nancy Bossmann Jones

Papa John....may the angels keep you in their care and entertain you with their music. Believe it when I say you have been in my thoughts many times and I have shared with my daughter my wonderful experiences as a Chansonnaire, and what an awesome person you always were. Truly my favorite teacher. It was an honor filled with fond memories being one of your students. As you always told us, smile when you sing because music is the universal language.

Wow..stunned...shocked...saddened...and deeply hurt. Those are just some of the words that describe my feelings today. Butch Brown informed me just today about Mr. Heisey's passing. No matter how old I got, he was always Mr.Heisey to me. I entered the DRBC in 1971. My first year in DRBC was Mr. Heisey's first year as Director. In 1979, I was proud to be Mr. Heisey's first 8 year graduate of the choir who had all 8 years under his direction. Choir was my absolute life as a boy. I loved...

So sorry to learn of your loss. I didn't go on to a music career, but was very enriched by my years in choir and the chance to be in the chorus of a couple of musicals. I still quote the sign on the door of Mr. Heisey's office: "Help Prevent Interruptions. Go Away." He was kidding, of course.

I wanted to take a moment to mention how wonderful it was to see so many entries dedicated to the memory of Mr. John Heisey.

It is amazing how quickly time flies...it seems just like yesterday that I had great aspirations of progressing from a mere soprano to tenor and/or bass one day. Mr. Long, David "Poe", and David Comer are just a few names I recognized immediately when going through the registry.

My sentiments and fond memories align with many of DRBC/DBC alumni...

I was deeply saddened to hear of the loss of our dear Mr. John Heisey. I have many fond memories of John as our director of Meadowdale High School's Concert Choir and show choir, The Chansonnaires. His bright, twinkling eyes encouraged us to sing to the best of our abilities--and we always did! I admired his talent for making all of the music--fun. I think back to our Christmas Concerts and John directing us in a rousing version of "The Christmas Polka." During his direction, he would...

Like many people, my thoughts of John Heisey have a lot to do with my participation in the DRBC. More than a few times, I have thought how fortunate we all were to have crossed paths with a man who had John Heisey's passions, skills and success in leading such an amazing group.

When the Children's Choir of Harlem (who we sang with in NYC) sang the African American National Anthem at the tribute to the victims of the Twin Towers tragedy, I thought of John Heisey and the many...

It is with great sadness that I learned of the death of Mr. Heisey. In 1975, I was one of only two first sopranos that were added to the choir. Mr. Heisey took an awkward, quiet boy with a LOUD voice and took me under his wing. He told me I should get to know all the kids in the choir and be friends with them. As a kid from the suburbs, the only time I ever saw "people of color" were the trash collectors who came on Tuesdays, or the maids and housekeepers who passed by our house on Peach...

I had the distinct pleasure and honor of accompanying the DRBC under John Heisey's direction for 14 of the 15 years I was with the choir. I appreciated and admired his skill and sensitivity not only with musical interpretations and arranging, but also with the building and maintaining the character of the boys and young men of the choir. We embrace your life and legacy. [ accompanist, DRBC 1969-1984 ]