Music students at the University of British Columbia are making their voices heard after a sudden change forced them into a facility where their instruments aren’t as easily heard.
For 25 years, the Chan Shun Concert Hall has been where UBC music students master their craft. But that changed this fall, when they learned rehearsals were being moved to a smaller facility — one they say does not live up to what they were promised.
Music Undergraduate Students’ Association President Saya Leznoff says members of her cohort were “all disappointed and probably a little bit mad.”
Entering her fourth year on campus, Leznoff never imagined she would have to fight for access to a facility so integral to her studies, but that is where she and so many music students at UBC now find themselves.
They were informed their rehearsals were being relocated to the smaller Telus Studio Theatre — a facility that Leznoff argues is not properly suited for an orchestra of the group’s size.
“The Telus studio theatre is built specifically for receptions, for small ensembles, chamber music, very small calibre events and definitely not fit for an 80-person orchestra, which is what we have and what we are working with,” said Leznoff.
While the acoustics in the new space are one thing, students are also concerned with the impact the change could have on their long-term health. Leznoff says readings in the new space regularly measure levels above 120 decibels — dangerous even in short bursts.
“I have walked out of every rehearsal with a banging headache. It’s just not safe for us to rehearse in the Telus Studio Theatre.”
In a statement to CityNews, a UBC spokesperson attributes the change in venue to increased programming at the Chan Centre.
“With the increase in the Chan programming activities, large ensembles now rehearse in the Telus Studio Theatre within the Chan Centre, which provides a professional-quality space for rehearsal… By taking this approach, it allows the Chan Centre to fulfill its role as a hub for public engagement and community access, while continuing to serve an important function within the university,” the statement said.
An online petition opposing the relocation has already garnered 800 signatures. Leznoff says the students will continue speaking out.
“We are also planning a peaceful protest just to bring together the music community. Maybe we can be moved back into the Chan Chun Music Hall.”