To further support the growth and vision of Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras (CYSO), the CYSO Board of Directors has promoted Director of Operations Brian Baxter ’07 to the newly created role of Chief Operating Officer. Brian has been with CYSO since 2008 and currently oversees nearly 600 students in the organization’s on-site orchestra programs, as well as the organization’s Community Engagement Programs, which reach 2,500 students annually. During his tenure at CYSO, Brian has led international tours to China and Spain and is currently organizing CYSO’s upcoming tour to Central Europe in summer 2017. Most recently, he has been the architect of the organization’s program expansion during its 70th anniversary season, including the new Philharmonic Orchestra and Jazz Orchestra.

Read more about Brian’s new position.

Michael Querio ’87, executive artistic director at the Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre in Grand Lake, Colorado, recently hosted a gathering of alumni who have worked there and currently make their homes and careers in and around the Chicagoland area. About 50 people gathered at The Violet Hour, a cocktail lounge in Chicago, to have an evening’s celebration.

A group of IWU grads got together for a photo, including:  (left to right) Elizabeth Lanza ’07, Keely Vasquez ’94, Michael Querio ’87, Kyle Blair ’09, Erin Daly ’10, Zez Ready ’11.  All were involved in music and theatre at IWU, and currently are working in Chicagoland, except for Michael Querio ’87 who is the executive artistic director.