Auditions/Recruiting
Auditioning Information for Canadian Forces Bands (MOSID MUSCN 00166)
- Audition Procedures for: Reserve Force (Part-Time) Bands
REGULAR FORCE AUDITIONS PROCEDURE
1. Applying for a position in the Regular Force component of the Canadian Forces Music Branch is a four-phase process that begins after the instrumental competition is announced by the Directorate of History of Heritage - Music (DHH Music).
PHASE I - Submission of Recorded Audition
2. All candidates will submit a CD recording indicating their current musical level and abilities. The music performed can be of any genre but the audition candidate must be clearly audible. The purpose of the initial audio recording is to display an individual’s musical talent and indicate to the reviewing committee a potential for employment.
There will not be a suggested list of pieces, however, the performance should demonstrate the candidate’s ability to play different and contrasting styles. The CD should be at least 15-minutes duration and no longer than 30-minutes. Secondary instrument performance abilities can also be demonstrated.
3. A complete résumé and a signed letter of authenticity must be included in the CD package. The résumé should include musical education, a musical work history and other notable business and personal accomplishments. A person “of position” must sign the letter of authenticity ensuring that the auditioning candidate’s musical abilities are a true representation as indicated by the recording. All recordings must be mailed to the following address:
Music Branch Coordinator
Directorate of History and Heritage - Music
National Defence Headquarters
101 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa ON K1A OK2
PHASE II - Selection for Live Audition and CFRC Processing
4. All submissions will be reviewed by a committee at DHH Music (as determined by the Supervisor of Music). Candidates to be invited to the live audition will have their results forwarded from DHH Music to the applicable Canadian Forces Recruiting Center (CFRC), who in turn will inform each candidate of their status.
5. Candidates who are not invited to the live auditions will be informed by DHH Music, and no further action is required.
6. The CFRC will then begin administrative processing for candidates who will attend the live audition (complete application package, confirm eligibility, undergo a reliability screening, complete the pre-enrolment substance use questionnaire, successfully complete a medical exam). Upon confirming a candidate’s suitability for enrolment, the CFRC will advise DHH Music and the candidate. DHH Music must be notified of the candidate’s willingness to continue with the process.
7. Given the instrument to be auditioned, the geographical location of the candidates, and the availability of a Regular Force band, the live audition location will be selected. All suitable candidates will be sent to this location for a formal live audition (audition board as determined by Supervisor of Music). The Canadian Forces will provide travel, accommodation and meal expenses and successful candidates should expect to be at the audition location for a period up to 72 hours.
PHASE III - Live Audition
8. The live audition has three parts. The first part is a solo performance; candidates will be given a maximum of 15 minutes to perform music of their choice that demonstrates abilities to play technically ("fast") as well as lyrically ("slow"). If possible, candidates should demonstrate any ability they have on a secondary instrument. Candidates must provide a list of pieces they will perform to DHH Music no later than two weeks prior to the live audition. Candidates auditioning on certain instruments will also be asked to perform special pieces (for example, trumpet candidates will be required to perform the Last Post and Reveille, and singers will be required to sing both the Canadian and USA anthem).
9. The second part of the live audition process has the candidate performing with a variety of ensembles. A music list (of ensemble pieces to be performed) will be forwarded to the candidates prior to arriving at the audition location. This list will vary from audition to audition to reflect CF musical needs and requirements.
10. The third part is an interview with a senior member of the Music Branch. The goal of the interview is to inform the candidate whether or not they have met standard. It will also ensure that candidates understand aspects of a military musician's life in the CF including types of music performed, locations of employment, terms of service, the daily routine, and musical and administrative expectations of a CF musician.
11. The audition committee will create a "merit list" based on the audition results. Candidates who do not meet the musical standard may be informed during any point of the audition process.
PHASE IV - Final Selection
12. The final selection shall be conducted by Canadian Forces Recruiting Group Headquarters (CFRG HQ) based on three factors: the instrumental requirements of the Canadian Forces, the audition “merit list”, and the candidate’s Military Potential score. Once selection is complete, CFRG HQ shall notify all CFRCs of the selection results and will forward employment offers to the successful applicants. All candidates shall be notified by their CFRC with regards to the results of their audition. Questions should be directed to Warrant Officer Steve Lanning 1-866-991-0422 or Steve.Lanning@forces.gc.ca
13. If members of the Reserve Force are selected to be hired, their names will be forwarded by the Music Branch Coord to D Mil C 7-5, Component Transfer clerk. D Mil C 7-5 will process these files and create job offers. Normally, a Reserve Force musician who is component transferring to the Regular Force as a musician will be granted the rank of Corporal and a provisional qualification level of 6A. In rare circumstances, the Supervisor of Music will approve a rank of Sergeant (for example, when the reservist held the substantive rank of Warrant Officer or higher in the Reserves); CF MIL PERS INSTR 03/08, "Canadian Forces Component Transfer and Component Transfer Career Programs" refers.
AUDITIONING FOR RESERVE FORCE (Part-Time) BANDS
1. Auditioning for a position in the Reserve Force component of the Canadian Forces Music Branch is a two-phase process that begins after a person indicates interest to a band and the Director of Music / Senior Pipe Band Musician determines there is a requirement to fill a position.
PHASE I - Submission of Recorded Audition
2. All candidates will submit a CD recording indicating their current musical level and abilities. The music performed can be of any genre but the audition candidate must be clearly audible. The purpose of the initial audio recording is to display an individual's musical talent and indicate to the reviewing committee a potential for employment.
3. There will not be a suggested list of pieces, however, the performance should demonstrate the candidate’s ability to play different and contrasting styles. The CD should be at least 15-minutes duration and no longer than 30-minutes. Secondary instrument performance abilities can also be demonstrated.
4. A complete résumé and a signed letter of authenticity must be included in the CD package. The résumé should include musical education, a musical work history and other notable business and personal accomplishments. A person "of position" must sign the letter of authenticity ensuring that the auditioning candidate’s musical abilities are a true representation as indicated by the recording. All recordings will be delivered to the Director of Music / Senior Pipe Band Musician of the auditioning band who, in turn, will forward it to the following address:
Reserve Band Advisor
Directorate of History and Heritage - Music
National Defence Headquarters
101 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa ON K1A OK2
PHASE II - Final Selection and CFRG Processing
5. All submissions will be reviewed at Directorate of History and Heritage - Music (DHH Music), who will notify the band of the results. The band, in turn, will notify candidates of the results. No further action is required for candidates who are not offered a position. Candidates deemed to have passed the musical 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 and either commences required training or is employed at the band.
6. Questions should be addressed to the Reserve Band Advisor at
1-866-991-0422.
