Julia Paine

Originally from the suburbs of Chicago, Julia Paine is thrilled to join the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra as second bassoonist in 2022. She grew up the youngest of three sisters who paved the way into the beginnings of orchestral playing. Little did she know when choosing bassoon at the age of 10 that the next decade would be filled with tuba, French horn, and bassoon trios at each family gathering. 

Prior to joining the SLSO, Paine performed with a variety of orchestras including the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, the North Carolina Symphony, Charlotte Symphony, the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, and Oregon Symphony. She also has a strong scientific background, having completed her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Marine Science and Bachelor of Music degrees simultaneously at the University of Miami. She later received her Masters in Music at The Shepherd School of Music at Rice University. Her primary teachers have been Ben Kamins and Gabriel Beavers.

When not performing, Paine loves to see her extended family and go snorkeling in the kelp forests of Catalina Island.