UBC Music Students Upset Over Rehearsal Venue Change
For a quarter of a century, the Chan Centre’s Chan Shun Concert Hall has been the heart of music education for UBC students. However, this fall brought a significant shift as students were informed that their rehearsals would now take place in the smaller Telus Studio Theatre, much to their dismay.
Saya Leznoff, President of the Music Undergraduate Students’ Association, expressed disappointment and frustration over the unexpected relocation. As a fourth-year student and newly appointed president, she never anticipated having to advocate for access to a facility crucial to her academic journey.
The transition to the Telus Studio Theatre has posed challenges for the music students, particularly due to its limited capacity and unsuitability for an 80-person orchestra. Leznoff highlighted that the venue, designed for smaller events like receptions and chamber music performances, falls short in accommodating the demands of a large ensemble.
Beyond the venue’s inadequate size, concerns have been raised about the potential health risks associated with the higher noise levels in the new space. Leznoff emphasized that noise levels exceeding 120 decibels during rehearsals could pose significant risks to the students’ well-being.
In response to the uproar, a UBC spokesperson cited the increased programming at the Chan Centre as the reason for the venue change. The university views the Telus Studio Theatre as a professional-quality space that allows for expanded programming while maintaining community engagement.
Despite the university’s rationale, the music students have launched a petition and plan to organize a peaceful protest to advocate for a return to the Chan Shun Concert Hall. With 800 signatures already collected, Leznoff and her peers are determined to ensure that their concerns are addressed and their voices heard.