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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filler@godaddy.com

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Support Us as we celebrate our 50th year!

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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. 

Black History Month Presentation

The Willis Patterson Our Own Thing Chorale celebrated Black History Month with a virtual presentation that explores themes of what it means to be an American. Click below to see the concert that highlights SIX new works and conversations with composers.

Interested in singing with us?

Find out more

Get to know African American composers

Marvin V. Curtis

The Our Own Thing Chorale Virtual Christmas program included the piece Christ is Born, by composer Marvin V. Curtis


Dr. Curtis recently retired as Dean of the Ernestine M. Raclin School of the Arts at Indiana University South Bend, where he also serves ad Director of the Symphonic Choir of South Bend.


He holds a BA in Music from North Park University in Chicago, MA from the Presbyterian School of Christian Education in Stockton, CA and his Doctor of Education from the University of the Pacific.  He also studied at Julliard and at the Westminster Choir College.  Prior to his appointment to Indiana University South Bend, Dr. Curtis taught, served as Assistant Dean , and was Chorale Director at Fayetteville State University in Fayetteville, North Carolina, an Historically Black Regional institution (HBCU).


Dr. Curtis created both The Riverside Community Chorale (New York) and The Richmond Festival Chorus (Richmond BA).  He is best known for his "The City on the Hill," Commissioned for the 1993 inauguration of President Clinton.

Christ Is Born, Marvin V. Curtis

Our Own Thing Choral, Darnell Ishmel, 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.

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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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Sample an Our Own Thing Chorale recording below

How Excellent is Thy Name

Willis C. Patterson Our Own Thing Chorale in collaboration with First Congregational Church of Ann Arbor present:

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Willis Patterson Our Own Thing Chorale

1410 S Zeeb RD, Ann Arbor, MI 48103, US

(734) 769-4437

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.