Josephine Kost of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania was born and raised in Bellevue, Ohio under the name Josephine Widman, prior to her marriage in 2006. Josie began studying the flute in fifth grade. During her years in high school, she participated in many musical organizations, including First Chair in the 2000 All-State Honors Band. Upon her graduation, Josie was accepted to the Wheaton College Conservatory of Music, located in Wheaton, Illinois. As a part of the studio of Dr. Anita Miller Rieder, Josie learned the art of professionalism and careful attention to detail.

In 2004, upon graduating Summa Cum Laude in Music Performance, Josephine was accepted at Duquesne University were she is now working on her second post-baccalaureate degree. Since beginning school at Duquesne, Josie has been studying with Damian Bursill-Hall. In 2006, she received her Master of Music degree at Duquesne. Besides participating in Duquesne’s ensembles, she is also the president of the Graduate Assistant Organization and she began the university’s first flute choir with the assistance of Mr. James Houlik. When Josie is not at school or practicing, she instructs both high school and college level students.

Josie is an activate participant in summer festivals. In 2002, she was involved in a performance of a new edition of a Quantz Double Flute Concerto at the National Flute Convention in Washington D.C. She has also studied at the Cincinnati Flute Symposium, ARIA International Summer Academy, and the Orford Arts Centre under Robert Langevin.

Upon graduation at Duquesne University, Josie plans to continue her education to earn her doctorate and teach at the collegiate level. Josephine is not new to quintets. Besides those required for school, she was also an active participant in the Ars Nova Winds in Pittsburgh, PA. Josie is excited about this new opportunity to work with the Aeolian Winds of Pittsburgh.