Julia Paine joined the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra as second bassoonist in 2022. Originally, from the suburban Chicago, The youngest of three sisters, who all play musical instruments, Julia chose the bassoon at the age of 10. Years later, family gatherings were filled with music played by tuba, French horn, and bassoon trios
Prior to joining the SLSO, Julia performed with orchestras including the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, the North Carolina Symphony, Charlotte Symphony, the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, and Oregon Symphony. Not just a single dimension talent, Julia has a compelling scientific background having completed her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Marine Science to go along with her Bachelor of Music degrees…earned 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.