Anne Ramsay

THE MUSIC: Anne’s childhood piano lessons helped her become an expert accompanist and soloist on piano and pipe organ at her local church before she even hit high school. By seventh grade, she was also an accompanist for many junior high and high school choral groups. What followed was a long and full career in music as an accomplished pianist, organist and preschool music teacher. After playing for hundreds of community performances, weddings and funerals, and years in the classroom, Anne has enriched countless lives in and around Aurora with her music.

“I have loved music since I started piano at 6 but always wanted it to be enjoyable, not a job,” Anne says. “I’m hoping to pass that love on to my three grandchildren.”

THE BACK STORY: While growing up in Titusville, Pennsylvania, Anne became a pipe organist at her local church by the time she hit the eighth grade. She explains, “Our church had a need and the Episcopalian priest asked if I thought I could learn the organ after having had seven years of piano lessons. I took organ lessons while starting to play at the church and have played as either a sub, interim or full-time organist ever since, for many years.”

Anne attended Grove City College as an Elementary Education major. While there, she sang and played piano for the Touring Choir. She went on to teach elementary school until her daughter, Sara, was born; and then taught preschool after her children got to middle school. She taught preschool music for 25 years, 21 of those at Hope Christian Nursery School in Aurora.

She played piano and pipe organ at The Church in Aurora for 21 years until 2020. During her 30 years living in Aurora, she played piano for Aurora Community Theater (ACT) special musical productions, several high school musicals, and accompanied for several years of middle school and high school OMEA vocal and instrumental competitions.

“I have taught many Walden children over that time and love running into them and seeing how they’ve grown,” Anne says. “I left my job during COVID, knowing I couldn’t teach 3-, 4- and 5-year-olds music with a mask on, or sanitize after every class the many “extras” we use for teaching music. I miss the children very much and am sorry to not be playing at the church but my husband Kent and I have filled in the space with new things,” she says.

THE WALDEN CONNECTION: Anne and Kent moved to Concord Downs 15 years ago when their children (Kyle and Sara) were grown. They were drawn to the open floor plans of the Walden condos, the golf course and the Walden community. Finding fellow musicians here, Anne has collaborated with Walden vocalists Marcia Newman and Muriel French.

Eight years ago, the Ramsays built a house in Walden Farms. “We love our house and this was our last move!" Anne says. "I enjoy opening the sunroom doors in the spring and fall and playing my baby grand. I just hope the neighbors enjoy it, too.”

Walden’s music-makers are a talented lot with so much heart and soul, they can’t keep their gifts under wraps. We hope you get to know them and their music, if you haven’t already.