Timothy Raub – Fairmount Strings

Timothy Raub

A Magna Cum Laude honors graduate of West Chester University, Mr. Raub has been an active freelance Double Bassist in Southeastern Pennsylvania since 1980. In addition to colleges such as Ursinus, Franklin & Marshall, Lafayette, Muhlenberg, Moravian, the University of Valley Forge, Kutztown University, Lehigh University, and the University of Pennsylvania, Tim has appeared regularly with Berks Grand Opera, Opera Delaware, the Kennett Symphony Orchestra, the Lancaster Symphony Orchestra, the Reading Choral Society, the Reading Symphony Orchestra, the Schuylkill Symphony Orchestra, the Pennsylvania Sinfonia, the Wheaton Chorale, and the Lehigh Valley Chamber Orchestra. Beyond his performance schedule, Tim served as Personnel Contractor and Orchestra Manager for the Pottstown Symphony Orchestra Association for more than fifteen years, as well as Associate Principal Double Bass from 1980 to 2006. Raised in Montgomery County and residing in Berks County, Tim considers this area his home and held the Music Director post at First Baptist Church (Pottstown) from 1987 to 2005. During his tenure, the music program at FBC sponsored a variety of special projects with combined choirs from public schools and other churches; moreover, he spearheaded new outreach opportunities for institutions such as The Frederick Mennonite Home, Manatawny Manor, and Berks County Prison. In addition to his conducting duties at FBC, Tim has also appeared as Guest Conductor for other organizations and events, such as the 125th Anniversary Celebration of Trinity Reformed Church (Pottstown) and additional community performances at Berks County Prison. 

Music Education continues to be a priority for Mr. Raub and his students have competed in Pennsylvania and nationally. Since 1984, his Berks County students have taken first chair at PMEA District, Regional, All-State, and All-Eastern Orchestra Festivals. Locally, several students appeared in the Double Bass section or as soloists with The Reading Symphony Youth Orchestra, The Philadelphia Youth Orchestra, as well as The Reading Symphony Orchestra. Other highlights of student achievement include Honorable Mention at The International Double Bass Competition (Houston) and several hundred thousand dollars in scholarships for Penn-State University, Temple University, and the Peabody Conservatory. When the Reading School District appointed Mr. Raub in 2000, he was the only full-time elementary String Specialist and there were only two string positions serving less than 200 students in the City of Reading. There are now five positions serving more than 800 String Orchestra students throughout the entire school district!  

Between seasons, Tim travels throughout Central America and enjoys snorkeling on the world’s second largest coral reef, photographing amazing wildlife, and exploring hidden ruins as far away from other tourists as possible. During winter vacation, Tim looks forward to the warmth and relaxed change of pace in old town Key West.

Kind Words

Friday evening’s performance…by the members of the Fairmount String Quartet was splendid…the playing was expert to the point of perfection.

Michael Caruso, Chestnut Hill Local

From more classical music to fun contemporary songs, Fairmount Strings knocked it out of the park.

Alison F., bride

We are so grateful that Fairmount Strings made our wedding day vision come to life. 

Jocelyn G., bride

The quartet was magnificent and so very professional. One guest said the setting and the quartet made the ceremony storybook!

Joanne F., Bride

Last night the audience told you so well what I am trying to put into words now. Thank you for an unbelievably beautiful concert!

Alice Nugent, Candlelight Concerts at Laurel Hill

The beautiful sound of your music will stay with me always. It was simply stunning and made our day feel like a fairy tale.

Julie & Tom B., Bride and Groom

Adding to their laurels — professionalism, intuition and timeliness, we look forward to many future musical endeavors with the Fairmount Chamber Ensemble.

Kevin O’Malia, Director of Music, First United Methodist Church of Germantown

I made a point of standing off to the side in the back of the church to listen. It was….well….perfection.

Chris C., Mother of the Bride

It is such a privilege to work with musicians of their caliber who are so genuinely committed to supporting the growth and development of our students.

Stephen Kushner, Director of Choral Music, Germantown Friends School

From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for your beautiful performance, which helped to make the vision and dream I had for my daughter’s wedding day come true.

Jeanne B., Mother of the Bride

They are wonderful musicians, easy to work with, and deliver performances of consistently high quality.

Clair Rozier, Director of Music, St. David’s Episcopal Church

Sheet music background image.