Foundation Orchestra

The Foundation Orchestra was founded in 1964 and typically has around 120 members, aged 6-11 years. The orchestra is divided into eight instrumental sections and has the full range of orchestral instruments. Each section spends the first half of the weekly rehearsals with a specialist instrumental tutor, before rehearsing as a complete orchestra with the conductor. The repertoire is carefully chosen to ensure players perform music in many styles and from many periods of history.

All music is specifically arranged by the conductor to support new players and challenge all players as they gain experience. They perform two concerts each year in March and July.

See the Foundation Orchestra’s timetable for 2024 to 2025.

There are 32 rehearsal sessions and 2 concerts. All rehearsals are held at Whitchurch High School Lower Site on Manor Way, CF14 1WL.

Conductor: Professor Gary Beauchamp PhD, MEd, BEd(Hons), SFHEA, FLCM, FRSA, FLSW, FIWA, LTCL

Professor Gary Beauchamp is Professor of Education in the Cardiff School of Education and Social Policy (CSESP) at Cardiff Metropolitan University and an Honorary Professor at the School of Education in Durham University. He began his education career as a primary school music specialist and Lay Clerk in the Choir of Llandaff Cathedral, where he sang on CDs, in television recordings, Radio 3 Choral Evensong and concerts, as well as being soloist for various choral societies. During this time, he began his first role in the music service as conductor of the CF Music Junior Schools’ Choir in 1991. He continued this role until he became conductor of the CF Music Education Foundation Orchestra (or the Junior Schools’ Orchestra as it was then) in 1997.

Since that time, Gary has moved into higher education, where he has published extensively on music education and other areas. He has been an expert advisor and member of steering groups for national policy and qualification reviews, and has led Welsh Government and Erasmus-funded projects – the latter with partners in seven different countries. He has continued his role as conductor of the Foundation Orchestra as he has enjoyed seeing so many young people grow and perform a wide range of music from different ages. He also enjoys being a member of a team with the specialist instrumental tutors, who, with the children, work hard each week to perform to a high standard at concerts every year.