The Rehearsal Assistant role acts as a bridge between our Large Ensembles program and the MPU, a 'hands on' member of the ensemble who ensures the smooth running of rehearsals, and providing feedback from the team and the ensembles. We would like to introduce Ernest, the rehearsal assistant for this term!

Read below to find out what he does in this role, his hobbies, and why it's great to be involved in our large ensembles program.

• Please introduce yourself!

Hello everyone! I am Ernest Quah, a second-year international student from Hong Kong studying Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws at UNSW. I started playing percussion since primary school, and have been very dedicated to both the Wind Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra at my secondary school until the COVID-19 pandemic hit causing annual competitions and concerts cancelled for 2 years. I was then very excited to join the UNSW Wind Symphony last year when I arrived in Sydney for my first-year University studies and was very honoured to take up the role as the Rehearsal Assistant for the Music Performance Unit since Term 3 2022.

• Do you have any hobbies?

Yes! During my free time, I listen to HK-pop or classical orchestral music to clear up my mind. Also, ever since I came to Sydney, I often travel to different suburbs when possible to hunt for restaurants that offer food I do not normally cook, particularly Asian fusion restaurants.

• What is your role as a rehearsal assistant?

The role of a rehearsal assistant is about assisting all matters related to ensembles’ rehearsals, including filing and photocopying music parts for our musicians, and most importantly, coordinating the set-up at rehearsals and communicating with the Music Performance Unit and ensembles’ members if anyone needs a helping hand.

• What’s your favourite piece of music?

This is a tough question. If I have to choose one favourite piece of music, I would go for Machu Picchu - City in the Sky, by Japanese composer Satoshi Yagisawa. This Concert Band piece features percussion instruments including a Bird Call, Ratchet, Vibraslap and Whip that mimic surround sounds at a mountaintop that feels very vibrant.

• Are you currently registered in an ensemble?

I am currently in UNSW Wind Symphony and UNSW Orchestra playing percussion.

• What are some great things about being involved in an ensemble at UNSW?

There are countless great things about being involved in an ensemble at UNSW. Not only do you get to make friends from other faculties, but you also have a very comfortable atmosphere to make great music and memories with other musicians. Concerts held at the end of each term allow you to extend your joy of making music to your family and any supporters that are interested in music.

• What would you like to do in the future? Any next steps for the years coming?

As a second-year student at University, it is too early to come up with a decision about what to do in the future at this stage. In the years coming, I would try my best in deepening my skills and knowledge so that I could eventually discover a career path that suits me well.