Wooster Symphony Orchestra 'town and gown' member loves music and Wooster

Wooster Symphony Orchestra cellist Ann Gregor is absolutely sure of two things in her life: she loves music, and she loves Wooster.

Gregor, who has been a member of the orchestra for 13 years, fell in love with music in fourth grade and Wooster a little later in life.

“I had discovered Wooster on a day trip with my husband's family where we visited Smucker's, Everything Rubbermaid and the beautiful downtown,” Gregor said.

Gregor kept those memories in the back of her mind for 25 years. “When I learned of an opening in the Wooster Symphony Orchestra, I auditioned as soon as I could,” she said.

Needless to say, Gregor passed the audition, and she has been a cellist in the orchestra for 13 years. She is one of 10 “town and gown” community members of the orchestra, which otherwise includes about 50 College of Wooster students.

After having lived in such places as South Carolina, Spain and Japan from her husband being a United States Navy captain (now retired), Gregor said the couple's move to Wooster was “Probably one of the best decisions we've ever made.”

Gregor said Wooster's appeal included factors such as the downtown, the real estate market, The College of Wooster and the lively arts and cultural community.

Years before the move to Wooster Gregor discovered her love of music and her passion for the cello. “I knew from the fourth grade that music would be my life,” she said.

She started in the school program and got better and better. Then she progressed to private lessons where she continued to enhance her talents. With the Wooster Symphony Orchestra she serves as first cellist. “I am the first chair of the first cello section, the one who comes out and tunes the orchestra just before a performance begins,” she said.

Gregor said that she loves playing for WSO director Jeffrey Lindberg. “He always has an outstanding repertoire, and we never repeat a repertoire,” she said.

Gregor also said that she is especially enjoying the 100th anniversary of the orchestra. “We are doing some very special performances in recognition of this,” she said. “And I always say we are just starting another 100 years.”

On May 6 the orchestra presented a program that was an exact reproduction of the orchestra's very first performance.

Gregor occasionally performs outside the orchestra at events such as church services or weddings, but her focus is squarely on the orchestra.

“I've always been happy I learned to play the cello,” she said, “But in my next life I'm going to take up the flute. It sure would be a lot easier to lug around.

I am always a stand partner with a college student, and I look at them and feel like I could be their grandmother.”

Gregor said she has made some very good friends with students, and she always is sad at their graduations but adds that the students doubtless have gotten a fantastic start to their musical careers.