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The Willis Patterson Our Own Thing Chorale (OOTC) preserves, explores, performs, and educates its singers and the community about traditional African American spirituals and contemporary choral and instrumental compositions and/or arrangements by African Americans and other musicians of the diaspora. It also increases opportunities for the exploration and education of this music by offering free lessons to youth through its Instructional Program.
The Willis C.Patterson Our Own Thing Chorale, established in 1969, is named for its founder and director Willis C. Patterson, an Ann Arbor native and U-M Professor Emeritus. The Chorale has performed extensively in the greater Ann Arbor area, and throughout Michigan and beyond. With a culturally diverse membership with individuals from the greater Ann Arbor area, representing varied careers and a wide range of musical experience, the Chorale 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 (OOTIP). These instructional offerings take place in the Community Church of God in Ypsilanti.
Founded in 1968, the Instructional Program provides free instruction in the arts, both vocal and instrumental, rental of musical instruments, and scholarships to area youngsters who would otherwise be unable to afford the opportunity to study music. The Chorale is an outgrowth of the Instructional Program.In the past 46 years, over 1,000 middle and high school students have received the advantages of this opportunity. The Instructional Program currently continues to work with students at all ability levels. Several graduates have become recognized performers, teachers of the arts, and arts professionals at every level both domestically and internationally.
Donna's was born into a musical family. Her grandmother played piano into her late 80's. Her mother received her bachelor and Master of Music degrees from U of M with concentrations in voice, organ, and piano and worked as a musician until she was 85. Donna's mother was her first piano teacher, and her Dad was constantly playing recordings of violin concertos and symphonies.
As a child, Donna spent two months at Interlochen's National Music Camp when she was six. There she studied piano and violin, played in an orchestra for the first time and attended live performances six nights a week! That experience, along with her strong musical roots, set her on a musical trajectory that she has never left.
After high school, Donna studied music at U of M and EMU. She became a tenured music educator in AAPS assigned primarily to instrumental music, but also spent some time in general and choral music positions. Donna loves singing and, among many experiences, has served as the Choral Recording Director for Friends Theological Seminary in Kaimosi, Kenya; a Choir Member and Soloist at Vancouver United Church of Christ in Vancouver, WA; the Chancel Choir President at Hartford Memorial Baptist Church in Detroit; and as a Second Soprano at First Presbyterian Church in Ann Arbor, MI.
LaTonya Woods has enjoyed a portfolio career. Holding a bachelor’s in business administration from Eastern Michigan University, she began her collegiate career at the University of Michigan in the School of Music, Theater, and Dance with a major in viola performance and education. She currently works for the University of Michigan as a senior business systems analyst in the Information and Technology Services department.
As a violinist and violist, she has performed with Grammy award winning artists, spanning the genres of classical, R&B and gospel, including Stevie Wonder, Midori and Marvin Winans. She is featured on recordings with critically acclaimed gospel artists, Donnie McClurkin, Richard Smallwood and has performed with award winning, Detroit based world music ensemble, Musique Noire. She continues to perform throughout the metro Detroit area, has been a member of Dexter Community and Ypsilanti Symphony Orchestras.
A passionate music educator and administrator, she has served as an instructor in the Ann Arbor Public Schools, and on the faculty of the Sphinx (Organization) Preparatory Program and Michigan State University Community Music School of Detroit. In her administrative capacities, she has worked with the Sphinx Organization in a variety of capacities, most recently as the program manager for the LEAD Program.
She currently serves on the boards of the University of Michigan School of Music, Theater and Dance Alumni Association, and the University of Michigan Medical School Institutional Review Board (IRBMED). She is inspired and invigorated by Our Own Thing's mission and community engagement, and is eager to bring her experience and passion to the organization.
2025 - 2026 LEADERSHIP
LaVonté L. Heard, Music Director
Lamar Willis, Assistant Director/Accompanist
Donna Smith, Instructional Program Director
LaTonya Woods, Instructional Program MSTARS Coordinator
Sharon Vaughters, President
Ronald C Woods, Past President
Janet V. Haynes, Secretary/Treasurer
Pam Meadows
Librarian
Willis C. Patterson, Founder and Director Emeritus
BOARD MEMBERS
Francetta Ampey
Nancy Kerner
Jeffery Pickell
Mailing Address:
c/o Janet V. Haynes, Secretary/Treasurer
P.O. Box 2439
Arbor, MI 48103-2439
Contact
The Willis Patterson Our Own Thing Chorale (OOTC) is a 501(c) (3) not-for profit. The Our Own Thing Instructional Program is a branch of OOTC.
All donations are tax deductible as permitted by the Internal Revenue Service.
Willis Patterson Our Own Thing Chorale
PO Box 2439, Ann Arbor 48106-2439
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.