Experience the Magic of Willis C Patterson Our Own Thing Instructional Program: A Musical Adventure
Background
The Our Own Thing Instructional Program was created in response to the lack of diversity represented in instrumental and vocal ensembles in the Ann Arbor Public Schools. It continues the tradition of community music education that was once provided through Ann Arbor's Dunbar Community Center.
OUR OWN THING INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM RELAUNCHED ITS COMMUNITY LOCATION IN JANUARY OF 2024
After a break during COVID, the Instructional Program began to offer its unique model of free music education once again at Community Church of God in Ypsilanti . On Tuesday evening, January 9, 2024. Dr. Patterson, founder, spoke at the December orientation session reopening the community based program.
The Program
The OOT Instructional Program provides access to free music instruction to students who would not otherwise have the opportunity and/or income to explore and pursue music with a variety of instruments, including voice. Small group music lessons will be provided for youth ages 5 - 18 for a variety of instruments based on student interests and demand. Options for private lessons for experienced students will be offered based on instructor recommendations.
The Instructors
OOT Instructional Program instructors will focus on the youth by tailoring instruction with attention to the “whole student” and with an understanding that studying music reaps life-long benefits far beyond the mastery of an instrument.
Our own thing instructional program
The Our Own Thing Instructional Program, founded in 1969 by Dr. Willis Patterson, is a volunteer community organization in the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti area which provides access to free music instruction to students who would not otherwise have the opportunity and/or income to explore and pursue music with a variety of instruments, including voice. Held from September to May, group classes and private instruction are taught by community members. While the goal of this program has not been the development of career musicians, it has historically greatly enhanced the overall lifestyle of its participants, with many students enrolling in music programs in colleges, universities, and conservatories across the country.
The OOT Instructional Program Goals:
1. To continue the legacy of our founder Dr. Willis C. Patterson.
2. To develop students a life-long love of music and achievement and help develop skills to that end.
3. To provide students with a successful and non-competitive mentorship experience and to encourage peer and parental support and involvement, when possible.
4. To provide a program that prioritizes teaching for diversity by being inclusive of multiple cultures, materials, etc.
Instructional Program UM SMTD Collaboration
Piano Program - MSTARs @ Our Own Thing Piano Program
Founded in 2017 by Dr. Leah Claiborne while completing her doctoral degree at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance (U-M SMTD), this piano program is a collaborative venture with U-M SMTD and focuses on the teaching the rich musical history of African American/Black composers to K-12 aged students in the Washtenaw County area. Group classes are taught from January through May onsite at U-M SMTD's world class facility by teaching artists, comprised of U-M faculty, and students, giving participants an immersive experience that creates a lifelong impact.
Instructional Program Interest Form
Interested students and their families should download and complete the form below. Email completed forms to Donna V. Smith or mail to either Donna Smith, 3155 Cardinal Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48108 or Janet Haynes, P.O. Box 2439, Ann Arbor 48106-2439.
Thank you!
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.