Southampton University Symphony Orchestra is run by an annually elected committee of student players who volunteer and dedicate so much time to making playing music possible.
We asked the new committee for the 2023/24 season some questions to introduce themselves!
Owyn Haylings – President
Instrument: Trombone
Degree: Music
Year of Study: Third Year
Hi I’m Owyn, a third year music student, trombonist and president of SUSO for this year! I’m really excited for this year, we’ve got some amazing plans cooking. Some of my favourite SUSO memories include the pre-term courses I’ve done, the amazing rep I’ve had the opportunity to play with the orchestra, and of course the various socials. I’m looking forward to getting to know all the new and old members of the orchestra, and putting on three wonderful concerts for our amazing audiences.
Sam Ecclestone-Brown – Vice President
Instrument: French Horn
Degree: Physics
Year of Study: Second Year
Magnus Karlsson – Treasurer
Instrument: Clarinet
Degree: Music
Year of Study: Second Year
Hi, I’m Magnus, I play clarinet in the orchestra and I’m this year’s treasurer. A highlight of SUSO so far for me has been playing Rachmaninoff’s 2nd Symphony! Outside of that, SUSO has been a very welcoming environment and I’ve greatly enjoyed all the socials (especially the afterparties).
Mae Evans – Librarian
Instrument: Clarinet
Degree: German and History
Year of Study: Second Year
Rhianna D’Souza – Orchestral Manager
Instrument: Trumpet
Degree: Music
Year of Study: Second Year
Hi! I’m Rhianna, I play trumpet in the orchestra and I’m going into my second year studying music. I’m one of this year’s orchestral managers alongside Tom. One of my favourite memories is probably white t-shirt night with the other societies because it helped me make some really good friends in the orchestra.
Tom Johnson – Orchestral Manager
Instrument: Violin
Degree: Music
Year of Study: Second Year
Hi, I’m Tom. I play violin in the orchestra and I am one of the orchestral managers this year. One of my favourite SUSO memories was playing Holst’s The Planets. I am looking forward to playing more amazing rep this year.
Sam Gibson – Publicity Officer
Instrument: Percussion
Degree: Physics
Year of Study: Second Year
Hey everyone! I’m a percussionist studying Physics while having been playing with SUSO for the last year. It’s been a really incredible time made even better by the previous years Committee. I can’t wait to see what sorts of fun we can have this year! SUSO Love!!!
Justin Man – Publicity Officer
Instrument: Piano/Viola
Degree: Music
Year of Study: Second Year
Hi, my name is Justin and I’m a 2nd year music student. I enjoyed playing piano and viola in SUSO last year (especially the spring concert) and this year I am responsible for promoting SUSO, including making the pretty posters and making sure the Turner Sims sells out!
Ed Finnett – Social Secretary
Instrument: Oboe
Degree: Music and Business Management
Year of Study: Second Year
Hiya! I’m Ed and I’m one of the Social Secs for SUSO 23-24. Going into my 2nd Year of the Music & Business Management Course, I’m looking forward to planning some fun socials and involving as many people as I can. I always want everyone to have a great time, both at rehearsals and on socials, and will strive to do so over the next year!
Ellie Palmer – Social Secretary
Instrument: Trumpet
Degree: Music and Business Management
Year of Study: Second Year
Hey, I’m Ellie and I am social sec alongside Ed this year. I am a 2nd year studying music and business management with a Year abroad. My favourite suso memory is pre term as it was really good fun and I really enjoyed it.
Noah Lock – Outreach Officer
Instrument: Double Bass
Degree: Music
Year of Study: Second Year
Hi, I’m the outreach officer this year. My job is to communicate with other organisations outside of SUSO to organise events and projects. My main focus for the year is Baby SUSO – our music education project where we visit school and play to children and teach them about the orchestra.
Ollie Brunt – Tour Secretary
Instrument: Bass Trombone
Degree: Acoustical Engineering w/ placement
Year of Study: Fifth Year
Hi I’m Ollie, I play Bass Trombone and this is my fifth year in SUSO. Outside of music I study Acoustical Engineering and spent last year on placement in Essex :-D. I also love cycling, being outdoors and have been known to enjoy a little bit of concrete eating.
Etienne Lallemand – Tour Secretary
Instrument – Violin
Degree: Mechanical Engineering
Year of Study: Second Year
Hi, I am Etienne and I am the tour sec for this year. I am really excited for the tour that will come up at the end of the year, we will reveal the exact destination soon. One of my favourite moments was when we played the Sibelius violin concerto.