FLORENCE, SC – If you go to a concert by the Florence Symphony Orchestra, you will probably see Bill McCrary in his usual place: on the balcony, second row from the top.

McCrary has attended every performance of the Florence Symphony Orchestra since 1972. He estimates that there are well over 200 performances. He served on the board of directors of the Florence Symphony Orchestra for 23 years and is one of the original members of the Masterworks Choir, which began in 1979. He has yet to miss a performance of the Masterworks Choir.

McCrary’s affinity for music began at a young age. He remembers his mother playing records in their house, hoping he would understand her love of big bands. His grandmother made him sit next to her while she played the piano. A neighbor gave him a collection of records at the age of 10, and he became fascinated with classical music. Since then, McCrary’s collection has exceeded 50,000 records, mostly composed of classical music.

Around the time McCrary started his record collection, he began taking piano lessons, learned the organ, began singing in the junior choir at St. John’s Church in Florence, and eventually started to play in evening church services. He also attends his first concert. A piano teacher gave him a ticket to see solo pianist Robert McDonald.