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.
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.
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.
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.