Kathy Dell, a Columbus resident, has been the Philharmonic’s principal flute since their premier season in 1987. She is a graduate of University of Evansville with a Bachelor of Music Education degree and has a Masters of Music degree from Jordan College of Music at Butler University. Kathy has also played with the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra, Evansville Philharmonic, Columbus Symphony Orchestra and the Whitewater Opera Company.

She is an active musician in the community and has performed in the Asbury Music Series as well as the Jazz Avenue Music concerts. Kathy has a great sense of appreciation and pride to be supported by the Notables, who sponsor the principal flute chair in the Philharmonic. During her time with the orchestra, Kathy has also had the privilege to share the stage with several great guest artists such as Noriko Shimizu, Japanese koto player and Carol Wincenc, flutist. Her teachers include Harry Houdeshel, former flute professor at IU, Matt Krejci, recording artist, and Karen Moratz, principal flute with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.

Kathy has also been active behind the scenes of the Philharmonic serving on the board of directors, the community advisory council, personnel manager, chairman of the orchestra committee, and assisting the education committee with teaching materials for the Adventure Concerts and working with students during the summer Strings Camp.

Kathy has taught elementary music in the Nettle Creek School Corporation, Decatur County School Corporation, and Bartholomew County School Corporation. She currently teaches music at Parkside Elementary to students in grade K-6, as well as directing a 5th /6th grade choir of 84 voices. The Parkside Choir has performed for numerous community and civic organizations, as well as with the Indianapolis Opera Ensemble at the ArtsGarden and Basile Opera Center in Indianapolis.

Kathy received the William and Sally Handley Excellence in Teaching Award in 2004 and continues to enjoy teaching young students in the schools as well as mentor new music teachers in the school corporation. She is also an adjunct faculty member at IUPUC and teaches a Fine Arts class in the elementary education department that incorporates music into language arts, social studies, math, and science.

She and her husband Tom are parents to one son, Spencer who lives in Indianapolis.