The preservation and sharing of music composed by African Americans is critical for the awareness and pride in the rich musical history and culture of our nation.Since its inception more than fifty years ago, the Willis Patterson Our Own Thing Chorale has provided an insightful view into the broad world of African American vocal repertoire and performance.The Instructional Program enriches the lives of youth by nurturing their growth in musical arts when the cost for lessons and instruments may be cost-prohibitive for families. Music is about as essential as the air we breathe. These programs level the playing field so anyone, younger or older, richer or less rich, can enjoy and reap the benefits of music and song.
Willis Patterson Our Own Thing Chorale Christmas Concert
OOTC Instructional Program Activities
The Chorale strives make the music of African American composers and arrangers more recognizable and encourage a proud sense of possession to the majority American cultures and the African American communities in particular. The Instructional Program provides vocal and instrumental music lessons, as well as musical exposure to area children who are unable to provide for those lessons at their own expense. Your contribution enables both programs to continue providing these musical opportunities and help further music diversity as a public good in the Ann Arbor community.We hope you will join in this valiant fundraising effort!
The Chorale strives make the music of African American composers and arrangers more recognizable and encourage a proud sense of possession to the majority American cultures and the African American communities in particular. The Instructional Program provides vocal and instrumental music lessons, as well as musical exposure to area children who are unable to provide for those lessons at their own expense. Your contribution enables both programs to continue providing these musical opportunities and help further music diversity as a public good in the Ann Arbor community.We hope you will join in this valiant fundraising effort!
Thank you for your support!
TheWillis Patterson Our Own Thing Chorale (OOTC)has a 50+ year history of serving Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti through its Chorale and youth Instructional Program.Dr. Willis Patterson and the OOTC were awarded the 2020 Michigan Humanities award for “collecting and promoting the inclusion of African American compositions in the classical vocal canon, for preserving and performing traditional spirituals and music by African American composers and arrangers and supporting the Instructional Program. The Instructional Program has provided cost-free music instruction, both vocal and instrumental, to more than 1,500 youngsters who would otherwise not be able to afford the same. This program includes providing paid instructors, instruments including pianos or electronic keyboards, violins, guitars and the practice studios. Your contribution will ensure the sustainability and longevity of these two important programs, the Chorale and the Instructional Program.
