We provide a wide range of groups and ensembles that meet the needs of every young musician, from absolute beginners to those that have progressed to an exceptionally high standard.
We aim to identify, support and signpost more able and talented musicians and children and young people with Additional Learning Needs to a wide range of experiences and opportunities. This makes sure all children and young people have opportunities to perform to their best ability.

2026 to 2027 AUDITIONS
Please see below for the audition dates this Summer term. Any of our ensembles not listed below are non-auditioned.
| ENSEMBLE | DAY | TIME | LOCATION | REQUIREMENTS | AUDITION INFO |
| INTERMEDIATE WIND BAND | MONDAY | 5.30-7.30PM | TBC | WIND, BRASS & PERCUSSION YEAR 6+ GRADE 2+ | Monday 22nd June 5-6pm Whitchurch High School (Lower) one piece, a scale and sight-reading |
| FOUNDATION WIND ENSEMBLE | TUESDAY | 6:15-7:15PM | TBC | ANY SCHOOL AGE GRADE 1+ | Tuesday 23rd June 5-5.30pm Whitchurch High School (Lower) one piece, a scale and sight-reading |
| TRAINING BRASS BAND | WEDNESDAY | 5-6PM | YSGOL GLANTAF | YEAR 5+ GRADE 3+ | 17th & 24th June 5-6pm Ysgol Glantaf one piece, a scale and sight-reading |
| YOUTH BRASS BAND | WEDNESDAY | 6.30-8.30PM | YSGOL GLANTAF | HIGH SCHOOL AGE GRADE 6+ | 17th & 24th June 5-6pm Ysgol Glantaf one piece, a scale and sight-reading |
| ENSEMBLE | DAY | TIME | LOCATION | REQUIREMENTS | AUDITION |
| FOUNDATION ORCHESTRA | THURSDAY | 5.45-7.15PM | WHITCHURCH HIGH SCHOOL | PRIMARY SCHOOL AGE GRADE 1+ | Thursday 18th June 6-7pm Thursday 2nd July 6-7pm Whitchurch High School (Lower) one piece you enjoy playing, a scale and sight-reading |
| YOUTH ORCHESTRA | FRIDAY | 6:30-9PM | WHITCHURCH HIGH SCHOOL | RECOMMENDED AGE 13+ GRADE 6+ | Auditions by appointment only Email alison.howells2@cardiff.gov.uk to arrange Perc/Harps – Fri 3rd July 5-6pm Woodwind – Mon 6th June 6-7pm Brass – Tues 7th June 6-7pm Strings – Wed 8th June 6-8pm |
| HIGH SCHOOLS’ ORCHESTRA | SATURDAY | 10am-12pm | CARDIFF HIGH SCHOOL | HIGH SCHOOL AGE GRADE 5+ | Saturday 20th & 27th June Brass 9.30-10am Strings, woodwind, percussion 10am-12pm 1 piece of grade 5+ standard, scales and sight-reading |
We provide weekly activities and opportunities to perform in public. Find out more about the groups available:
Membership and fees
All of our ensembles as free of charge for children from low-income families and Looked After Children.
We have 5 levels of ensembles:
- Starter
- Foundation
- Intermediate
- Senior
- Youth
Suitable for children:
- from beginner to around Grade 1 standard,
- who have been learning for a few weeks, or
- who have accessed Camau Cerdd.
Aged 5 to 12
Suitable for children:
- around Grade 1 standard to around Grade 4.
- aged 5 to 12.
Suitable for children:
- around Grade 2 to around Grade 5 and focus on particular instrument types development (strings, wind band, brass band, percussion).
- in upper primary and lower secondary ages.
Suitable for children:
- around Grade 4 to around Grade 6
- high school ages (some upper primary ages may be suitable)
Suitable for children:
- around grade 6 and above, by audition or teacher nomination.
- who are high school aged pupils and returning university students.
Group Fees
| Group | Fees per term (paid in advance) | Fees per month |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly 1 hour duration | £49.50 | £14.85 |
| Weekly 1.5 hour duration | £60.50 | £18.15 |
| Weekly 2 hour duration | £71.50 | £21.45 |
| Weekly 2.5 hour duration | £77 | £23.10 |
| Multi group access | £80 | £24 |


