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.  

Join UNSW SOAP

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! 

2024 Executives

President, Ernest Quah

Hello, I'm Ernest, honoured to be SOAP's President! I'm currently in second-year studying Bachelor of Arts (Politics and International Relations & Music Studies) and Bachelor of Laws. Since primary school, I've been playing percussion in the Wind Symphony & Orchestra, and now I'm excited to lead UNSW's largest Music Society!

Vice-President Wind Symphony, Harrison Pritchard

Hi, I’m Harry, the Wind Symphony Vice-President for SOAP in 2024. I study Civil Engineering at UNSW and this is my fourth year of playing with the UNSW Wind Symphony and Orchestra.

Any enquiries regarding Wind Symphony, such as commitments, openings, or apologies, may be directed toward the VP for Wind Symphony.

 Vice-President Orchestra, Nadia Hui

Hi, I’m Nadia, and I am so excited to be the Orchestra Vice-President for SOAP! I am in third year studying Medicine. Music has always been one of my greatest passions, and I’ve been playing the flute in the Orchestra since first year.

Any enquiries regarding Orchestra, such as commitments, ability requirements, openings, or apologies, may be directed toward the VP for Orchestra.

Secretary, Meira Jackson

 Hi, my name is Meira and I am super excited to be the secretary for SOAP! My role involves managing the general administration of the club. I play the french horn and piano and I am currently in my first year studying Data Science and Decisions.

Treasurer, Kevin Chen

 Hi, I’m Kevin and I am the Treasurer of SOAP! I am a third year studying in Data Science and Decisions. I currently play in the Percussion section of the orchestra. Looking forward to another great year with SOAP!!

Arc Delegate, Katya Valentine

 Hi!! I’m Katya, and I’m stoked to be Arc Delegate for 2024! I’m in my first year doing Advanced Science (Hons) and Law. I play cello and piano (10 and 13 years respectively). When I have time, I’ll get back to doing my AMus exams!

Marketing and Events Coordinator, Mary Geng

 Hi, I’m Mary and I’m very excited to be the events and marketing coordinator of SOAP. I am currently a third year student studying Bachelor of Music (creative practice) and Bachelor of Education (Secondary). My main instrument is piano and I have also been playing the timpani for nearly 3 years in the UNSW orchestra.

Grievance Officer, Ishaan Vellani

 Hey! My name is Ishaan, and I am so pleased to be your next grievance officer! I’ll be in my fourth year of a Bachelor of Science (Neuroscience) and a Bachelor of Music. I have played clarinet in the orchestra since first year, and I absolutely love getting together with SOAPies from all faculties to play awesome repertoire! I’m also secretly a jazz fanatic… but don’t tell anyone!!

Any grievances, either with a SOAP Executive member or a general member, may be submitted to the Grievance Officer. This includes any misconduct on the Discord server.

CONTACT

Email societyoforchestraandpipers@gmail.com

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/UNSWSOAP/ 

Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/UNSWsoap/ 

Discord https://discord.gg/rr3PtpfQ9f 

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.