Auditions

Successful candidates that do not presently serve with a Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) unit will be enlisted into the CAF Primary Reserve.

For Pipers and Drummers only: You must be a minimum Grade 3 competitive piper or drummer (or equivalent).

Procedure

Applying for a position in the Band of the Ceremonial Guard is a three-phase process that begins after the instrumental competition is announced by the Ceremonial Guard.

PHASE I – Audition Application

All candidates will submit an audition application to the Ceremonial Guard. The application form can be found on this website. The audition application must be submitted by e-mail or fax before the deadline announced on the form. The application must be accompanied by a musical résumé.

 

Click here to apply for the 2014 season.

PHASE II – Live Audition

Each year an audition tour takes place across the country in the months of November and December. Candidates who have submitted an audition application before the deadline are invited to audition in a city in the province where they reside. The audition schedule is published on this site in September.

During the 20 minute audition, candidates will perform two contrasting pieces of their choice, scales and sight reading. Pipers and pipe band drummers will play a variety of tunes in different time signatures as per the instructions found on this site. The audition will be followed by a 10 minute interview.

The audition committee will create a merit list based on audition results. Candidates who do not meet the musical standard may be informed during any point of the audition process.

Audition Schedule 2013-2014

Application deadline for all candidates: 31 October 2013

Atlantic Canada

  • Sackville, NB - 12 November
  • Wolfville, NS - 13 November
  • Halifax, NS - 14 November
  • St. John's, NL - 15 November

Quebec/Ontario

  • Ottawa, ON – 18-20 November
  • Montreal, QC – 21-22 November
  • Toronto, ON – 23-24 November
  • Kitchener, ON - 25 November
  • London, ON – 26-28 November
  • Toronto, ON - 30 November 1 December

Western Canada

  • Winnipeg, MB - 2 December
  • Brandon, MB – 3 December
  • Saskatoon, SK - 4 December
  • Victoria, BC – 5 December
  • Vancouver, BC – 6-8 December
  • Edmonton, AB - 9 December
  • Calgary, AB - 10 December

Pipes and Drums Audition Schedule 2013-2014

Application deadline for all candidates: 31 October 2013

  • Halifax, NS - 5 November
  • Fredericton, NB - 6 November
  • Winnipeg, MB – 7 November
  • London, ON- 12 November
  • Calgary, AB- 13 November
  • Vancouver, BC- 14 November
  • Victoria, BC- 15 November
  • Ottawa, ON – 18-20 November
  • Montreal, QC- 21 November
  • Cambridge, ON- 26 November
  • Hamilton, ON- 27 November
  • Toronto and area- 28 November

This schedule is subject to change without notice.

The list above does not restrict Ceremonial Guard from auditioning applicants outside of the areas listed, and should not prevent any one from applying that is interested in employment as a musician with the Band of the Ceremonial Guard.

PHASE III – Final Selection

The final selection will be conducted by the Staff of the Band of the Ceremonial Guard based on two factors: the instrumental requirements of the Band of the Ceremonial Guard and the audition merit list. The audition results are published on this site by the middle of December.

Civilian candidates who succeed at the live audition are sent to a local Canadian Forces Recruiting Centre for processing. Upon successful completion of all Recruiting Centre requirements, the candidate is then offered a firm commitment with the Band of the Ceremonial Guard.

Reservists who succeed at the live audition will be tasked to the Band of the Ceremonial Guard through their chain of command.

Questions should be addressed to the Band Sergeant-Major, Colour Sergeant Michel Simard at 1-877-858-3205.