About Us

Gregory Wood

Assistant Principal Cello

Gregory wood

Joined the SSO: November 1978

Born: Port Washington, NY

Residence: Camillus, NY

Education: Bachelor of Music in Cello performance Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, 1978; M.S. in Counseling SUNY Oswego, 1995; M.S. Music Education Syracuse University, 2005

Earliest musical memory: Hearing the piano played by my mother and her students while I was in the bassinet under the piano at 1 1/2 years old.

Most influential teachers: Lynn Harrell, Zara Nelsova and Jack Kirstein of the LaSalle Quartet.

Favorite composer/musical period/musical work: Brahms/Romantic/it's a tie between Brahms' Symphony No. 1 and Mahler's Second Symphony.

Favorite aspect of the performance experience: Experiencing the real team effort of the musicians on stage.

Favorite part of being a member of the SSO: To perform with world-renowned soloists and conductors.

When I'm not onstage, you might find me: Spending time with my wife, son and daughter; running; volunteering for career day or lecture/performances at local schools; donating blood or plasma to the Red Cross. My first instrument was piano and my first career choice was architecture. I love fine art and paint watercolors and work on stained glass projects when I can find time.

My favorite thing about Central New York is: Being close to lakes and the Adirondack Mountains.