Note that brass, reed and percussion musicians joining a Brass and Reed band must already be proficient on their instrument to at least a senior high school or first-year university level.

In all cases it is imperative that the applicant make personal contact with the Director of Music of the band. It is important to understand that local Canadian Forces Recruiting Centres will not open a file for an applicant until the Director of Music provides documentation authorizing enrolment as a musician. Normally, applicants will be asked to sit in with the band for a period of time to determine if they can perform at the required level and can adjust to the rigours of duty expected of a member of Primary Reserve. If the gaining band determines that the applicant is suitable and a position on that instrument is available, then the applicant will be asked to submit their audition package.

Please visit the Canadian Forces Recruiting Website for more information, and see our Recruiting FAQ to help you learn a bit more about what is involved in becoming - and remaining - a member of the Primary Reserve.

Live Auditions

For those applicants seeking to apply for an Associate Member position in the band, the Director of Music reserves the right to require the applicnt to undergo a process similar to the above, or to hold a live audition "in lieu of" submission of an audio résumé. Live auditions take place in our band room, and will normally be conducted by the Director of Music, with assistance from the Band Sergeant-Major and senior member of the instrument section in question. During a live audition, the applicant will be required to do the following:

a. play prepared pieces of the applicant's choice (two contrasting styles are recommended);
b. play sight reading material typical of the band's repertoire (in all styles);
c. play major and minor scales and arpeggios (to at least 3-sharps and 3-flats, preferably memorized); and
d. play the chromatic scale from the bottom to the top of the practical playing range of the instrument.

Percussionists will be expected to demonstrate proficiency on all concert percussion instruments, including:

a. snare drum (e.g. rudiments);
b. timpani;
c. mallets; and
d. drum set (eg. various beats, rhythms and styles at various tempi).

The applicant will be required to supply copies of the prepared music that s/he intends to play in advance of the audition. Sight reading and ensemble materials will be supplied by the band.

Contact Information

If you have questions, please contact: