Meet Our Staff
Brian Ostrega
Executive Director and Music Director
Suburban Youth Symphony Orchestra
Brian Ostrega has been teaching with the Suburban Youth Symphony Orchestra since 2021 and is thrilled to continue his work with SYSO as Music Director and Executive Director.
Mr. Ostrega began his musical studies playing violin when he was five years old. His first orchestra experience was through the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras (CYSO), playing with them from grammar school through high school, under the private instruction and tutelage of Terrance Gray. From his involvement with CYSO, he decided to further his musical studies in college. After graduating from University of Illinois (B.M. ’13) and graduating from Roosevelt University’s Chicago College of the Performing Arts (M.M. ’15) with degrees in Violin Performance, he won performing positions with Civic Orchestra of Chicago, followed by first violin seats with the Peoria Symphony Orchestra (PSO) and Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra (IPO) where he regularly performs.
In addition to a thriving orchestral career, Mr. Ostrega, together with pianist Stephen Uhl, formed Ostrega Uhl Project, an ensemble dedicated to playing chamber music featuring local professional artists to educate and entertain audiences. He also takes great enjoyment in his administrative role as IPO’s Orchestra Librarian. Mr. Ostrega formally began teaching private lessons in 2017 and since then has grown a successful violin studio at Beverly Arts Center
As Music Director of SYSO, Mr. Ostrega strives to give a well rounded music education to all students. This includes providing beginners a musical foundation on which to grow through the Incredible Opportunity Program, introduce intermediate level students to basic conducting elements and ensemble playing in the Junior Orchestra, and strengthen students’ technical abilities and musical interpretation through its primary ensemble, Suburban Youth Symphony Orchestra.
With his leadership as Executive Director, Mr. Ostrega envisions the Suburban Youth Symphony Orchestra to provide an enjoyable learning experience for its aspiring young professionals throughout Chicago's Southland, bringing students and their collective talents together under one roof from the many communities SYSO serves.
Brenda Thomas
Orchestra Manager
Suburban Youth Symphony Orchestra
Brenda Thomas serves as Orchestra Manager for the Suburban Youth Symphony Orchestra, bringing experience in administration, organization, and community engagement. Before assuming her current position, she volunteered as Parent Liaison for one year, serving as a communication link between families and the organization. She then served as Assistant Orchestra Manager for one year, helping support the day-to-day operations of the orchestra and contributing to its continued growth and success.
Brenda holds a Bachelor's Degree in Special Education from Chicago State University and spent three years working as a tutor, helping students develop the skills and confidence needed for academic success.
Following her work in education, Brenda began a distinguished career with the United States Secret Service, as an Investigative Support Assistant until her retirement. During her federal service, she worked under the administrations of Ronald Reagan, George H.W Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barrack Obama.
Brenda comes from a family that has always appreciated and enjoyed music. Her lifelong connection to the arts was strengthened through her husband, a musician, for whom she worked behind the scenes helping to promote and support his brass quintet and Dixieland band. Her experience in organization, administration, and community engagement, combined with her passion for music, makes her a valuable member of the youth orchestra community.
As Orchestra Manager, Brenda brings her organizational skills and passion for music to support students, families, conductors, and volunteers while helping to create a positive and enriching experience for all members of the orchestra community.
Suburban Youth Symphony Board of Directors
President - Andrea Gibb
Vice President - Christie Buralli
Treasurer - Cynthia Westerman
Secretary - Sue McKeigue
Mort Castle
Christine Cochrane
Joan Finnegan
Andrea Hetzel
Marilynn Tannebaum
Emily Kenny