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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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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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Program Book

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

Click Here to Join the Livestream

Support Us in our 5oth Anniversary FundraisinG Campaign

Donate Here

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. 

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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.

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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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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.


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.