Our High Schools’ Orchestra was formed in 1975 and is the largest high school aged ensemble in the music service.
The orchestra has toured the USA , Malta and most other countries in Western Europe. It performs in prestigious venues across Cardiff and has also performed at Music For Youth venues, such as the Royal Albert Hall.
The orchestra play a wide range of repertoire, from big Hollywood film and computer game scores through to concertos and symphonies. Each year, the orchestra chooses a pupil’s GCSE or A Level composition to perform in concert.
The orchestra currently has almost 100 members and rehearses every Saturday morning during term time at Cardiff High School. Above all, the orchestra thrives on its popularity for being challenging but fun!
High Schools’ Orchestra rehearse at Cardiff High School on Saturdays from 10am – 12pm during term time. The first rehearsal will be on Saturday 12th September 2026.
There are 32 rehearsals and 2 concerts.
Conductor Biography
Charles Maynard is the conductor of High Schools Orchestra. Originally from Manchester, he was awarded a scholarship in sixth form to study trombone at the Royal Northern College of Music, followed by a graduate course at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in composition, then a postgraduate year at the Royal Academy of Music. Charles studied conducting with Malcolm Binney and Sir Simon Rattle as well as postgraduate composition with Dr Paul Patterson and Sir Michael Tippett.
Charles has worked for the music service since 1992 and is now Head of Brass and a creative lead tutor. He has been the conductor of High Schools’ Orchestra since 1994.