Our Own Thing Chorale

Since 1972, the Willis Patterson Our Own Thing Chorale has performed throughout the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti area. But it is not just a singing group. It is an educational institution aimed at serving the youth in the region and their families, and at the fore is the commitment to ensuring the African American concert spiritual remains a viable part of the community's artistic landscape. Donna Smith and LaVonte’ Heard from the Chorale joined WEMU's David Fair for this week’s "Washtenaw United."

The theme of Black History Month this year is African Americans and the Arts. The Ann Arbor-based Willis C. Patterson Our Own Thing Chorale is celebrating 50 years of sharing the legacy of African American spirituals in 2024. It has spent five decades combatting the lack of inclusion for Black composers in chorale and classical music spaces. WEMU's David Fair talks all about it with the president of the chorale, Sharon Vaughters, in advance of some special performances in Ann Arbor on another Black History Month edition of "Washtenaw United."

For five decades, the Willis Patterson Our Own Thing Chorale has dedicated itself to preserving and performing traditional African American spirituals and showcasing contemporary African American music. Sharon Vaughters, the volunteer board president and a member of the Chorale, joins Creative Washtenaw’s Deb Polich, your host for "creative:impact," to look back over 50 years and hear how the Chorale is celebrating their 5Oth anniversary.

Willis Patterson and his talent were gifted to Ann Arbor 90 years ago. It took a village to guide him through a twisting route before he found his voice,…