The Our Own Thing Chorale

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. 

Founded in 1969, the Chorale is  named for its founder and director Willis C. Patterson, an Ann Arbor native and U-M Professor Emeritus. This diverse group of singers aims to perform the music of African American composers as well as traditional spirituals and provide educational background information about the music. The Chorale has performed extensively in the greater Ann Arbor area, and throughout Michigan and beyond.  The Chorale also works to raise funds for the Our Own Thing Instructional Program.

During the 2020-2021 season, the OOTC continued to rehearse virtually and offered three virtual performances.  As we go forward, we anticipate continuing a mix of live and virtual song, giving us a greater reach.