Willis Patterson
Our Own Thing Chorale & Instructional Program

Willis Patterson Our Own Thing Chorale & Instructional ProgramWillis Patterson Our Own Thing Chorale & Instructional ProgramWillis Patterson Our Own Thing Chorale & Instructional Program
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Willis Patterson
Our Own Thing Chorale & Instructional Program

Willis Patterson Our Own Thing Chorale & Instructional ProgramWillis Patterson Our Own Thing Chorale & Instructional ProgramWillis Patterson Our Own Thing Chorale & Instructional Program

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Today we mourn the loss of our founder's beloved wife who was an amazing woman and longtime  supporter of the Our Own Thing Chorale and Instructional Program. Memorial donations may be made to the Willis C. Patterson Our Own Thing Chorale. 

OCTOBER 1, 1934 – APRIL 25, 2025

Frankie Bouyer Patterson

Frankie Patterson, beloved wife of Our Own Thing Chorale founder Willis  Patterson passed away on Friday, April 25, 2025, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, at the age of 90. 

See full obituary here:

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/ann-arbor-mi/frankie-patterson-12358412


Donate Now

Or mail a check payable to “Our Own Thing Chorale” to:

c/o Janet V. Haynes, Secretary/Treasurer

P.O. Box 2439

Arbor, MI 48103-2439


Thank you!

Our Own Thing Chorale, LaVonté Heard, Music 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.

Learn more

Our Own Thing Instructional Program, Donna Smith, 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.

Learn more

The Willis Patterson Our Own Thing Chorale is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that specializes in choral music of African American composers and arrangers with special emphasis on the Negro Spirituals. The Chorale also supports the Instructional Program which provides free instrumental and vocal instruction as well as instruments for students who cannot afford to pay for lessons. 


Please join in supporting the Chorale and Instructional Program with your donation. Your contribution will make a significant impact as it continues its legacy over the next 50 years.

Donate Here

IT’S OFFICIAL! WE’VE BEEN LAUNCHED!

Listen to the first  2 installments of our monthly podcast series Talkin' Music documenting and celebrating the unique and important journey of Our Own Thing Chorale over the past 50+ years. 

in the News

LaVonté L. Heard

Our Own Thing Chorale Music Director

Donna V. Smith

Our Own Thing Instructional Program Director


Our Own Thing Directors joined WEMU's David Fair

Washtenaw United: Willis Patterson Our Own Thing Chorale enhances Washtenaw County through music and education.  

WEMU 89.1, February 24, 2025.

Listen Here - 11:25

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Get involved with the Chorale by watching a  getting more information about joining the Chorale or enrolling your chid in the Instructional Program by subscribing to our email list or making a donation below.

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The Willis Patterson Our Own Thing Chorale (OOTC)  is a 501(c)(3) qualified charitable organization.   Your contribution is tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. 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.

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