Music in the black Church: A Kaleidoscope of Colors
A WILLIS PATTERSON OUR OWN THING CHORALE 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION COLLABORATION
Saturday, February 11, 10- 4 and Sunday, February 12, 4:00 - 5:30
First Congregational Church of Ann Arbor
608 E. William St. Ann Arbor, MI 48107 - 7970
FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLC - DONATIONS ARE WELCOME
Willis Patterson Our Own Thing Chorale is a 501(c)(3) qualified charitable organization. Your donation is tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Donate below.
Music in the Black Church: A Kaleidoscope of Colors
Day 1: Saturday February 11
10:00 - 12:00
Opening Session
Location: Sanctuary
Welcome
Alice McAllister Tillman, Music Director, Willis Patterson Our Own Thing Chorale (OOTC) Music Director and Willis Patterson Our Own Thing Alumna
Sharon Vaughters, President Willis Patterson OOTC and Chorale Member
Opening Remarks and Introduction of Speakers
Willis C. Patterson, Founder of Willis Patterson Our Own Thing Chorale
Exposé on the Negro Spiritual and Sacred Music from the Oral Tradition
Dr. Uzee Brown, Willis Patterson Our Own Thing Chorale Alumnus
10:50 am
Kaleidoscope Panel: The Diversity and Utility of Music in the Black Church
Moderators: Longtime colleagues Dr. Willis C. Patterson and Dr. Uzee Brown
The Kaleidoscope panel will explore the history, diversity, current and future trends in Music in the Black Church. Panelists: Dr. James Abbington, Rev. Portia Mann, Dr. Louise Toppin and Mr. Lamar Willis
12:15 pm
Community Networking Lunch (pre-registrants only)
Compliments of Virginia Sory Brown, ACCM Board Member
Registration is closed. There may be a limited number of spots available on Saturday. Inquire at the lunch check-in table at Pilgrim Hall.
Location: Pilgrim Hall
Afternoon Focus Sessions
1:15 – 4:00 pm
Location: Sanctuary
1:15 pm
Adult Choral Reading Workshop – James Abbington.
This session is designed to explore the variety of genre and formats in African American Church Traditions. Dr. James Abbington, executive editor of the African American Church Music Series by GIA Publications will lead the session inviting participants of all backgrounds to sing or listen. Sample music provided compliments of by GIA publishing.
2:05 pm
Use of Organ in the Black Church
Lamar Willis, Minister of Music, will share and demonstrate the types of organs and their use over time within African American church traditions. The role of the pipe organ and the Hammond B3 for congregational singing, choirs, as a solo instrument, as well as its role within sermons and other parts of worship.
2:35 pm
African American Vocal Solo Repertoire
This special mini concert of African American art songs provides a sampling of music that has grown from variety of genres including jazz, blues, ragtime, and sacred music including hymns and spirituals. Like the spiritual, these songs are an expression of the African American experience with text by poets including Maya Angelou, Langston Hughes, and Florence Hynes Willeté. Specialist in Music student Amber Merritt and Master of Music student Tyrique McNeal will perform solo works by Margaret Bonds, Undine Smith Moore, Irene Britton Smith, Joyce Solomon Moorman, Robert Owens, and Brandon J. Spencer with Josh Marzan and Peter Smith pianists.
3:10 pm
Closing Panel: Reflections on the Future of Music in the Black Church and Beyond
Our guest presenters and panelists will reconvene to dialog and discuss emerging trends in music in the Black Church and infusing it in other congregations as they strive for diversity and inclusion. Audience members will be invited to ask questions and share their experiences.
4:00 pm Adjourn
Day 2: Sunday, February 12, 2023
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm EST
Music in the Black Church: Concert
This collaborative concert features the Willis Patterson Our Own Thing Chorale and the Brazeal Dennard Chorale in a performance of Robert Ray’s 1971 Gospel Mass, as well as a variety of music from African American church traditions.
The performance will be conducted by Alice McAllister Tillman, Willis Patterson Our Own Thing Chorale Music Director and Artistic Director of the Brazeal Dennard Chorale.
Accompanied by Brian Buckner, Assistant Director and Accompanist, Our Own Thing Chorale.
Music in the Black Church: A Kaleidoscope of Colors is made possible through collaboration and support from the Willis Patterson Our Own Thing Chorale, American Center for Church Music (ACCM), the American Guild of Organists (AGO), First Congregational Church of Ann Arbor and GIA Publications, Inc.
Livestream provided by First Congregational Church of Ann Arbor
Support Us in our 5oth Anniversary FundraisinG Campaign
The Willis C. Patterson Our Own Thing Chorale has a 50+ year history of serving southeast Michigan and beyond through the Instructional Program for youth (1969), and the community Chorale (1971), both founded by Dr. Patterson.
Interested in singing with us?
2020 - 2022 COVID Accomplishments
A look back over the past 2 years of the Chorale's response to COVID. The music and an adaptation to technology kept us going.
Our Own Thing Chorale, Alice M. Tillman, Director
The Willis C.Patterson Our Own Thing Chorale (OOTC) is committed to the preservation and performance of traditional African American spirituals as well as contemporary choral compositions written and/or arranged by African American composers and musicians. The Chorale also works to raise funds for the Our Own Thing Instructional Program.
Our Own Thing Instructional Program, LaTonya Woods, Director
The Willis C. Patterson Our Own Thing Instructional Program provides free instruction in the arts, both vocal and instrumental, use of musical instruments, and scholarships to area youngsters who would otherwise be unable to afford the opportunity to study music.
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the Willis C Patterson Our Own Thing Chorale (OOTC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit recognized by the IRS. the Instructional program is a Branch of OOTC.
The Willis Patterson Our Own Thing Chorale (also known as The Willis C Patterson Our Own Thing Chorale and The Willis C Patterson Our Own Thing Instructional Program) is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, height, weight, formerly incarcerated, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, membership and volunteer leadership. Reasonable accommodation will also be provided to persons with disabilities, to disabled veterans, and to accommodate religious practices.