The NFA is happy to announce that the Myrna Brown International Scholarship (MBIS) for the 2026 (Portland) convention has been awarded to Wilton Onyango, a resident of Kenya. The scholarship provides funding for Wilton to travel to Portland, Oregon to present at the 54th Annual NFA Convention in August of 2026. 

The biennial MBIS was established to honor Myrna Brown, the NFA’s first executive director, for her dedication to the National Flute Association. During her tenure, Brown organized the first exchanges with flutists from China and Russia, setting the stage for the NFA’s warm relations with international flutists.   

The scholarship provides financial assistance to a flutist from a country outside of the United States to attend and present at the NFA Convention. Recipients gain the opportunity to share their unique musical perspectives and experiences with a broad group of flutists, promoting an enriching, cross-cultural dialogue.

“I am deeply honored to receive the 2026 Myrna Brown International Scholarship,” says Wilton. “This recognition is not only a personal milestone but also an opportunity to bring the knowledge, skills and innovative concepts I will learn from the NFA back to my hometown flute community. I am excited to enhance and inspire our local musicians, fostering growth and excellence. Thank you for this incredible opportunity to contribute to the global and local flute community.”

“I'm grateful to support a scholarship that uplifts both recipients and their flute communities,” says Ana Paola Rincones, who coordinated this year’s scholarship application. “The MBIS transforms lives by enriching musical experiences, fostering inclusivity, artistic growth and global connections.”

Funding for the Scholarship is provided solely through the NFA Endowment Myrna Brown Fund. 

The 54th Annual NFA Convention will be held from Aug. 6-9, 2026 at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, OR.

Wilton Onyango is a passionate flutist from Nairobi, Kenya, with extensive experience in orchestral performance and music education. He has performed with prestigious ensembles, including the Kenya National Youth Orchestra and the Conservatoire Symphony Orchestra. Dedicated to fostering musical growth, Wilton aims to enhance his local flute community by introducing innovative concepts and techniques learned through his global engagements.