Josephine Ombati, flute

Meet Josephine

Josephine Ombati, 15, is originally from Narok, Kenya. She moved to the United States at the beginning of sixth grade and began learning the flute shortly thereafter. Currently a sophomore at the Youth Performing Arts School (YPAS) in Louisville, KY, her primary teachers have included Dr. Leanne Hampton and Shelby Anderson.

Josephine performs with several ensembles, including the Louisville Youth Orchestra, YPAS Wind Ensemble, and the Kentucky All-State Symphonic Band (flute/piccolo). With the YPAS Wind Ensemble, she had the opportunity to perform at the 77th Annual Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic in 2023. She has also taken part in the University of Louisville Summer Wind Band Institute.

An avid chamber musician, Josephine enjoys participating in her school’s chamber music class, and is a member of Plagal Winds, one of her school’s wind quintets. Josephine’s awards include Second Prize in the Flute Society of Kentucky’s Junior Soloist Competition in 2023, Second Prize in the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra’s Young Artist Competition, and Finalist in the Flute Society of Kentucky’s High School Soloist Competition in 2024.

Outside of music, Josephine (JoJo) enjoys reading, playing board and card games with her friends, and learning origami.

Receiving the Tim Banker Talent Development Award will allow Josephine to attend a summer music festival in 2025 and 2026. The funds will also support her private lesson tuition as well as the ability to network, gain additional mentors, and take consultation lessons with potential college professors.