Music

The cadet music program is an optional program that you can take part in through your corps or squadron or summer training centre.

The music program is a consists of six levels: Basic to Level 5. Levels Basic, 1 and 2 will develop your musical ability to play in your corps/squadron band for parades and local activities such as Remembrance Day Parades, etc. Levels 3, 4 and 5 will develop individual skills, as you become a senior cadet musician, which will lead to your ability to instruct junior cadets at the corps and squadron and to assist as staff cadets during the summer.

The music program has a variety of ensembles that are determined by the unit to which you belong (Glockenspiel and Percussion, Brass and Reed, Pipe and Drum, Percussion, Brass and Percussion, and Bugle and Percussion, etc.). You can receive instruction on any of these instruments at the corps or squadron, by attending regional band concentration sessions, and during summer training.

For military band musicians, Levels 3, 4 and 5 are designed to compare to specific grades of the Royal Conservatory of Music program. It should be noted that the cadet music level training covers all aspects of the Royal Conservatory of Music program except the technical studies. The cadet program is relatively equivalent to the Royal Conservatory of Music as outlined:

• Cadet Level 3 - Royal Conservatory of Music Grade 2;
• Cadet Level 4 - Royal Conservatory of Music Grade 4;
• Cadet Level 5 - Royal Conservatory of Music Grade 5.

For pipe band musicians: Levels 3, 4 and 5 are designed to compare to the playing standards and requirements of certain Amateur Solo Grades. However, there is no affiliation your provincial associations to date.

You will also receive instruction in music theory, aural skills, drill, sight reading, instrument maintenance, history and highland dress depending on the discipline you select or the type of ensemble you unit has. You can also learn the skills necessary to perform the duties of a Drum Major.

Leadership, teamwork, physical fitness, and individual skill are just some of the attributes that you will gain from being a musician within the cadet program. Give it a try!