LUUMS Committee 2026/27
President
Ollie Smith
They/Them
Ollie is an Environmental Science student from Brighton/North London, and is going into their fourth and final year at Leeds. They have played euphonium and trombone since the ages of 10 and 18 respectively, as a member of both Brighton & Hove Youth Wind Orchestra and Hangleton Brass Band, and have additionally picked up both percussion and conducting whilst at uni.
Throughout their time in LUUMS so far, Ollie has performed with 8/11 ensembles, but has predominantly been a member of SWO, Symphony Orchestra, and Brass Band. They have also been on committee since their first year, most recently as Treasurer, and have had the absolute joy of being Concert Band Co-Conductor & SWO Conductor over the past two years. Whilst they’re going to miss conducting, Ollie is really looking forward to focusing on leading the society (and hopefully their degree) next year, alongside Sarah and Oksana.
When they aren’t floating around the School of Music or LUU, Ollie can be found on a train, playing their current video game of choice or cycling around the city, and is hoping become a regular attendee of the Woodhouse Moor Parkrun, as well as start rollerskating again in the year ahead.
Secretary
Sarah Hobson
She/Her
Sarah is a third-year Music student from Devon who specialises in the clarinet and bass clarinet. She has performed with a range of ensembles across Devon, including Tiverton Concert Band, and particularly enjoys playing classical repertoire and wind band music.
She is thrilled to be serving as LUUMS’ new Secretary and can’t wait to meet everyone during auditions week and promote further opportunities to members within LUUMS!
Since joining the University of Leeds, Sarah has been involved in a variety of LUUMS ensembles, which she credits with helping her settle into university life and meet new people. Last year she had the opportunity to co-conduct Sinfonia, where some of her favourite pieces were selections from How to Train Your Dragon, the Barber of Seville Overture, and L’Arlésienne.
Outside of music, Sarah enjoys reading, painting, and exploring new places with her friends. She also enjoys working as a Student Ambassador for the University and volunteering in schools as a helper.
Treasurer
Oksana Wojcik-Jardzioch
She/Her
Oksana is a third year Mathematics and Music student from St Albans. She started playing the piano when she was 7, and shortly after picked up the violin after being intrigued by what she that seemed an unusual and unique instrument (not quite!) and has been playing ever since.
Since joining LUUMS, she has enjoyed being part of the String Orchestra, of which she managed last year. Having really enjoyed this role, she is looking forward on taking on more responsibility this year and having the opportunity to work with all the ensembles. Outside of LUUMS, she is a keen swimmer, loves a cross stitch and also dabbles in running.
Concerts Manager
Annie Longhurst-Woods
She/Her
Annie is a second year Mathematics and Music student from South London. A Double Bassist with 14+ years of musical and orchestral experience, music has always been at the centre of her life! Specifying in classical performance, she’s also worked with a portfolio of jazz, choir, percussion, pop and musical theatre ensembles to attain quite the varied schedule.
She is greatly looking forward to taking on the role of Concerts Manager, notably regarding the organisation of such important ensemble showcases, as well as arranging as many performance opportunities as possible to the wide array of musicians in the society. Aside from music, Annie also loves to swim, dance, cook and watch movies!
Publicity Officer
Bethan Cole
They/Them
Bethan is a third year music student from Newport, South Wales. Prior to joining LUUMS, they took part in multiple ensembles, on both a local and national level, from choirs to orchestras. Since joining LUUMS in their first year, they’ve taken part in lots of different ensembles, including SWO and Symphony Orchestra. Their favourite moment so far was taking part in LUUMS’ tour to Edinburgh earlier this year!
Having been concerts manager last year, Bethan is really looking forward to taking on the role of publicity officer this year, and is excited for the new challenges and experiences this will bring!
Communications Officer
Avery Orchard
They/She
Avery is a second year student from London studying International Relations. Before university, they played with the Camden Music service, where they fostered their love for singing and orchestral percussion, which is their main instrument in LUUMS. Avery spent their first year at Leeds in concert band, symphonic choir, SWO, symphony orchestra, and percussion ensemble (of which they are now manager!), and is excited to be a part of the LUUMS committee, where they hope to further nurture the welcoming atmosphere, in which they have made many friends.
Outside of music, Avery enjoys going out (you can expect to see them at every social this year), cycling, and rewatching the US Office.
Fundraising & Sponsorship Officer
Izzy Caley
Izzy is a third-year student pursuing a degree in Music and Music Psychology. Her love for music began at the age of six, when she started violin lessons and became an active member of her town’s orchestra. Alongside her instrumental studies, Izzy began vocal training at age seven and developed a strong affinity for musical theatre, earning distinctions up to Grade 7 in vocal performance.
In her free time, Izzy immerses herself in a wide range of musical theatre pieces, reflecting her enthusiasm beyond formal study. Following university, she aspires to pursue a career in music therapy. LUUMS has been a central part of her university experience, especially through Symphonic Choir and Chorus, where she has found a strong sense of community. This year, she is excited to continue her role as Fundraising and Sponsorship Officer, exploring new ways to grow the role and support LUUMS.
Events Secretary
Evelein van Dijk
She/Her
Ev is a second-year Music and Music Psychology student who spends most of her time making music. She sings with the LUUMS Symphonic Choir and Chamber Choir, and plays bassoon in the Symphony Orchestra and Sinfonia. She is also a member of National Youth Choir. Outside of LUUMS, you’ll find her hosting a show on Leeds Student Radio or playing hockey.
This year, Ev is most excited for LUUMS Ball, which she’s helping to plan, and she can’t wait to see it all come together.
Whether she’s singing, playing, broadcasting, or planning events, Ev is happiest when she’s surrounded by music and people, and she is looking forward to another brilliant year with LUUMS and all the opportunities it brings for everyone.
Social Secretary
Matthew Arraya
He/Him
Matthew is a second year BA music student. Originally from Cheltenham, Matthew played flute and piccolo in the Cheltenham Philharmonic Orchestra, and was involved in all aspects of his old school’s music scene, including its choirs, jazz band and yearly theatre production. Since joining LUUMS, he has expanded his talents to many of the ensembles LUUMS has to offer, including Sinfonia, Concert Band, Chorus and Symphonic Choir.
Besides music, Matthew is a frequent member of the LUU’s Badminton Society, which he has played since year 7. He is also an avid cook and baker, who will happily spend all day cooking for others. His favourite dessert is a victoria sponge or scones (cream first). His favourite nights out in Leeds are Boogaloo, Dvotion, and Fruity’s, but he is down to have fun anytime.
As social sec, Matthew is excited to hold new socials and create a welcoming environment for all members, old and new , ensuring that everyone has a fun time. Some of his favourite memories from the past year have been the BYOB soup social (Bring Your Own Bowl), the Otley Run, and of course BOOGALUUMS!!!
Wellbeing & Inclusivity Officer
Izzy Dutton
She/Her
Izzy is a second year maths student from Newcastle. She has played the flute for 10 years after being inspired by her sister’s Christmas concert. Before studying at Leeds, she played in her high school and sixth form orchestras, as well as a concert band outside of school. She also played and performed in her school’s productions of Grease and High School Musical, where she enjoyed every moment of the experience!
At university she plays in concert band and sinfonia. This year she is one of the managers of concert band. One of her favourite pieces was How To Train Your Dragon from the sinfonia summer concert.
Izzy has a real passion for anything creative, especially baking and cooking.
As wellbeing and inclusivity officer, she is looking forward to ensuring LUUMS stays inclusive and welcoming, and she can’t wait to welcome all the new members into the society!!
Departmental Representative
Sarah Hobson
Sarah is a second-year Music student from Devon who specialises in the clarinet and bass clarinet and has played in multiple ensembles around Devon like Tiverton Concert Band. She really enjoys playing classical music and wind band music. She’s extremely excited to be the new departmental rep for LUUMS and has a lot of ideas about diversifying the workshops that are provided by the music society.
In her first year at Leeds, she’s been part of multiple ensembles within LUUMS and has found it extremely beneficial in helping her settle into uni life. Her favourite concert memory has to be the summer Symphony Orchestra concert during the third movement of Price’s first symphony. Outside of music, she really enjoys reading, painting and going for walks around areas she has yet to explore. A fun fact about Sarah is that she once had 4 golden retrievers at one time.
New Members Representative
Daniel Phillips
Daniel is a second-year Natural Sciences student from Cardiff. He has been playing the Cello and Piano since he was very young, performing with ensembles such as the Cardiff Youth Orchestra and also in pit bands for musical theatre, including The Phantom of the Opera and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. He has even dabbled in theatre onstage, performing in the cast of West Side Story!
After a disrupted first year, joining Sinfonia has been a highlight of Dan’s second year so far. He is excited for his role within LUUMS as New Members Rep and hopes to ensure LUUMS is as welcoming as possible for all new members, wherever they may be in their university journey.
Outside of LUUMS, Dan loves attending gigs throughout the city whether it be pop or heavy metal! He is also a keen outdoorsman who you will regularly find camping all around Wales (when it’s warm enough to do so that is!).
Leeds University Union Music Society 