Talkin’ Music: Celebrating 50+ Years of the Willis C. Patterson Our Own Thing Chorale
Step into a rich history of the music of Ann Arbor’s African American community. Talkin’ Music invites listeners to explore Ann Arbor’s Our Own Thing Chorale and Instructional Program through its founder, Dr. Willis C. Patterson, and past and current members spanning more than 50 years. Following the inception of the Instructional Program (1969), the Willis C. Patterson Our Own Thing Chorale (1971) has preserved and performed traditional African American spirituals and contemporary choral arrangements and compositions by African Americans and other musicians of the diaspora and continues its legacy today though community engagement and education.
Talkin’ Music is co-created by Jeffrey Pickell, board member, and Sharon Vaughters, president of the Willis C. Patterson Our Own Thing Chorale. This podcast is produced by the Ann Arbor District Library.
Media
Episode 1: Taking Root, Voices Heard, Part 1
In this episode, we hear about the origins of the Our Own Thing Chorale and Instructional Program with founder and special guest Dr. Willis C. Patterson. Dr. Patterson recalls the importance of music in his own development, especially as a member of the Dunbar Community Chorus.
