The UNSW Society of Orchestra and Pipers (SOAP) is the student-run collective associated with the university’s Large Instrumental Music Ensembles (LIME), namely the UNSW Orchestra and UNSW Wind Symphony. It was established during Colin Piper’s reign as orchestra conductor, hence the use of ‘Piper’ in the name. ‘Piper’ also alludes to brass and woodwinds.
Supported by Arc@UNSW and the Music Performance Unit, our goal is to be an accessible platform for music performance, engagement and sharing. We hold regular events for our members to help increase ensemble cohesion and hope to bring people together through their love of music.
Who should join SOAP?
All past, current and future members of UNSW Orchestra and UNSW Wind Symphony are invited to join SOAP. We also encourage those completing a Bachelor of Music at UNSW and anyone interested in joining a music community to become involved.
What does SOAP do?
SOAP holds a number of social events throughout the year. Notable ones are the annual Cruise and the Ball. On a smaller scale, we often have bowling/board game nights, bake sales, and there's always a concert afterparty. We also have a Discord server for fun online events, such as games nights, movie nights, or online performances. Drop by to meet some like-minded musicians and make some lifelong friends!
2025 SOAP Executives
Marissa Chu, President
Hi! I’m Marissa and I will be serving as President of SOAP for 2026! I’m going into my third year of Commerce/Law and my third year playing percussion for the UNSW SOAP ensembles. This year, I hope to bring the love I’ve developed for music throughout the last 10 years of my life to my presidency and help people find comfort in music in the same way it has always provided for me. I’m incredibly excited for what’s to come for this year with my fellow ensemble members as well as my exec team.
Carter Smith, Vice-President (Wind Symphony)
Hi! I’m Carter, and I’m thrilled to be the new Vice President for the Wind Symphony. I’m going into my third year studying a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Social Science, and also my third year of playing trumpet with the Wind Symphony here at UNSW. I’ve played trumpet for almost 14 years and am deeply grateful to be able to continue my love for music with such a wonderful group of musicians. I’m looking forward to working with the exec team on all the exciting stuff we have planned for 2026 and am keen to see you all throughout the year!
Any enquiries regarding Wind Symphony, such as commitments, openings, or apologies, may be directed toward the VP for Wind Symphony.
Esther Lam, Vice-President (Orchestra)
Hey everyone, I’m Esther, and I am honoured to be serving as Orchestra’s Vice-President! I play the clarinet in orchestra, and I will be in my third year of studying to be a dietitian. Playing music together has always been a joy for me, as it has helped me find a community who shares similar joys and interests in playing music together. I hope I can foster that at SOAP, too. Keen to see you all at rehearsals and other events!
Any enquiries regarding Orchestra, such as commitments, ability requirements, openings, or apologies, may be directed toward the VP for Orchestra.
Ernest Quah, Secretary
Hi, I am Ernest, honoured to be SOAP’s Secretary for 2026! I am in my penultimate year studying a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts (Politics and International Relations & Music Studies) at UNSW. I have been playing percussion since primary school, and as an international student from Hong Kong, joining the UNSW Wind Symphony and Orchestra has been such an important part of helping me feel at home in Sydney! This is my third term on the SOAP exec team, and I am really looking forward to another year of making music and great memories with our amazing community!
Ethan Woo, Treasurer
Hi, I’m Ethan, and I’m super excited to be SOAP’s Treasurer this year! I’m currently in my second year of Commerce/Information Systems. I’ve been playing in ensembles and orchestras for most of my life, and I think it’s great that I can continue to do so with such a great orchestra at university. Looking forward to meeting you all and having a great year together!
Justin Hiew-Choy, Marketing and Events Coordinator
Hi everyone, I’m Justin and I am excited to serve as SOAP’s Marketing and Events Coordinator for 2026! I am going into my second year of studying a Bachelor of Commerce and a Bachelor of Laws at UNSW. Over the past 10 years, I’ve enjoyed the pleasure of playing the French Horn and the joy of being a part of musical communities, including our amazing Wind Symphony. Looking forward to the coming year and keep your eyes peeled for upcoming events via our socials on Instagram and Facebook!
Cece Walther, Welfare Officer
Hey I’m CC! I’m super excited to be joining the SOAP exec team as Welfare Officer for 2026. I’m going into my second year of a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music) and Education (Secondary), as well as my second year in Wind Symphony. I currently play flute and piccolo and am hoping to expand that range this coming year. It’s been so exciting to continue playing in a wind ensemble beyond high school, and I look forward to seeing the developing social aspects of our society.
Josephine Scott, Arc Delegate
Hi I’m Josephine, thrilled to be part of the SOAP team for 2026! I’ll be in my 2nd/3rd year studying Computer Science and Fine Arts (Animation), and have been enjoying percussion as an 8-year hobby. I have been blessed with the wonderful Wind Symphony since 2024 and would love to continue welcoming new students into the ensemble. Together with the current members, I am looking forward to more fun, creativity, and music in this chill community throughout the year!
Contact
Email: societyoforchestraandpipers@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UNSWSOAP/
SOAP is partially funded by Arc, which allows us to host all these incredible events and keep bringing you exciting opportunities.
If you haven’t already, please sign into spARC and make sure to officially join SOAP.
Get in touch with us online, by phone or in person.