NOVEMBER 27, 1930 – OCTOBER 22, 2025
Willis C. Patterson
Our beloved founder, Dr. Willis C. Patterson passed away on October 22, 2025, at the age of 94 in Ann Arbor, where he grew up with his parents and 9 Patterson siblings north of downtown, populated by most of the city’s black families.
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/ann-arbor-mi/willis-patterson-12575644
Celebration Postponed
We regret to inform you that due to the recent passing of our founder and honoree, Dr. Willis C. Patterson, the Willis Patterson Our Own Thing Chorale’s Alumni Concert Gala IMPACT! is being postponed.
We appreciate the wonderful response you have shown to our event through ticket sales and contributions. We are planning to present this Gala in the spring of 2026 so please look forward to notification of the event.
All ticket sales and any associated fees will be refunded. Your donations towards this fundraiser are gratefully appreciated and will support the OOTC and IP. However, if you wish to have your donation refunded or credited towards the 2026 Gala, we will accommodate your request.
With Gratitude,
The Willis Patterson Our Own Thing Chorale
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.
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.
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.
in the News
LaVonté L. Heard
Our Own Thing Chorale Music Director
Donna V. Smith
Our Own Thing Instructional Program Director