Double Bass
Raymond Irving
Associate Principal Bass • Fredericksburg Symphony Orchestra
A former member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago and The U.S. Army Field Band, Raymond brings a distinguished performing and military career to the FSO bass section.
Full Biography
Raymond Irving received his early training in his hometown of Chicago, where he was a member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. His first professional appointment was with the Omaha Symphony Orchestra, where he performed for three seasons. He went on to serve with The United States Army Field Band — the Army's premier touring ensemble — traveling extensively as one of the "Musical Ambassadors of the Army." His principal teachers were Harold Siegel, Harold Robins, Robert Barney, and William Vaughan.
An active teacher and freelance musician, Raymond has performed with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and serves as Principal Bassist with the Prince George's Philharmonic (MD) and the Shippensburg Community Orchestra (PA). He frequently performs with the Two Rivers Chamber Orchestra in Shepherdstown, WV, and is a member of the Sylvan Waters Duo with harpist Tula Ruggiero and the Swander Duo with oboist and English hornist Mary McClain.
Raymond performs on a modern English double bass crafted in 2006 by Peter Hamilton-Box from aged timber, which he affectionately calls Boadicia, after the ancient Queen of Britain.