Paul Monaco

Paul Monaco is a senior at O’Fallon Township High School (OTHS) and has played the oboe since fifth grade. He lives in Lebanon, Illinois, and is one of eight children. He is excited to begin his first season with the St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra. 

Monaco performs with the OTHS Wind Ensemble and Marching Panthers and has participated in the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Bi-State Honor Band. He was also selected for the Illinois Music Education Association All-State Honor Band during both his sophomore and junior years. 

Outside of music, Monaco enjoys playing video games and making oboe reeds. 

Monaco is grateful to Dawn Striker, Blake Duncan, Melissa Gustafson-Hinds, Stefan Roose, and Xiomara Mass for their mentorship and support throughout his musical journey. He is also deeply thankful to his mother, Marcie, who raised him and all his siblings to appreciate and participate in the musical arts, and to his father, Joseph, a retired Air Force pilot, for his enduring support of Monaco’s musical journey. He looks forward to performing and growing as a musician during his first season with the YO.