UBC music students raise concerns over rehearsal relocation

For 25 years, the Chan Centre’s Chan Shun Concert Hall has been where UBC music students master their craft, but that all changed this fall, when they learned their rehearsals were being shifted to a smaller facility, one they say is not living up to what they were promised.

“We were all disappointed and probably a little bit mad,” said Saya Leznoff, President of the Music Undergraduate Students’ Association.

Entering her fourth year on campus, and first as president, Saya 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 after they were informed their rehearsals were being relocated to the smaller Telus Studio Theatre.

Leznoff argues that the new facility is not properly suited for an orchestra of their size. 

“The Telus Studio Theatre is built specifically for receptions, for small ensembles, chamber music, maybe book signings,” she said.

“Very small caliber events and definitely not fit for an 80-person orchestra, which is what we have and what we are working with.”

And while the acoustics in their new space are one thing, their greater concerns revolve around the impact higher decibel levels could have on their long-term health.

Leznoff says that reading regularly reaches levels north of 120, which is dangerous even in short bursts. 

“I can say for myself that 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 The Leader Spirit, a spokesperson from UBC attributes the change in venue to increased programming at the Chan Centre.

“With the increase in the Chan Centre’s programming activities, large ensembles now rehearse in the Telus Studio Theatre within the Chan Centre, which provides a professional-quality space for rehearsal,” the statement read.

“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.”

A petition online in opposition to the relocation has already garnered 800 signatures, with Leznoff saying they will continue until their voices are heard.

“We are also planning a peaceful protest just to bring together the music community, maybe we can be moved back into the Chan Shun Concert Hall,” Leznoff said.