Recruiting

So you want to join the band?
Here are some things you need to know. For most trades in the Canadian Forces almost anyone can walk off the street and take up a military trade with out much prior training. The music trade, however, demands that you already be a trained musician. Our job requires musicians to play at a university level or higher. Musicians must be professional and versatile enough to adjust to any situation. Therefore, we must carefully screen our musicians. We require you, and the Canadian Forces Recruiting Centre (CFRC) requires you, to pass an audition before you start the enrollment process.

How do you start the process?
Come to at least three rehearsals. Our rehearsals commence at 7:30pm and conclude at 10pm every Thursday. Our band is located at 39 Canadian Brigade Group Headquarters, Hoffmeister Building, 1650 Burrard Street, Vancouver.
 
If you decide you would like to join the band we will set up an audition for you. Auditions typically occur after rehearsals and last about 20 minutes. You will know the result of the audition immediately.

What are the audition requirements?
Please prepare two pieces of contrasting styles.
You will be asked to play major and minor scales with different articulations.
You will be asked to sight read.

I’ve passed the audition, now what?
The member in charge of recruiting will direct you to this website.

On the website, you will be told which forms to fill out and guided through the recruiting process.

In addition to our band specific requirements, here are the basic military requirements:

• Be either a Canadian Citizen
• Be at least 16 years old with parents' permission
• Have a minimum of six grade 10 credits (Approximately 1 semester)
• Be free of any legal obligations

You will be required to complete an Employment Application Form (DND 2170). You are also required to provide the following supporting documentation:

• Original transcripts for your level of education (high school, college, and/or university)
• Birth certificate
• Proof of trades or qualifications
• Proof of marital status (if applicable)
• Letters of reference (Officer applicants only)

Upon receipt of the above documents and your Application, you will start a screening process. The process involves Aptitude Testing, Medical Examination, and Fitness Evaluation; as well as a series of interviews and a Reliability Check.

You can find much more information about the Canadian Armed Forces on this website. Pay particular attention to the following sections:

• How to Join
• FAQ
• Useful Links
• Glossary

If you have any questions about joining the band, please contact Warrant Officer Rob Scheib at 15FieldRecruiting@militarymusic.ca