Joining the Band

AUDITIONING FOR THE CANADIAN ARMED FORCES RESERVE BANDS

General Information
Musicians joining the band must already be proficient on their instrument to at least a senior high school or first-year university level.

To join the band as a military member:
- consult the Directorate of History and Heritage site, which explains their role in the process and the requirement for an audio résumé;
- download the Membership application form and bring it with you when you first visit the Band;
- make contact with the Band Recruiter and the Unit Recruiting Office; and
- watch this Canadian Forces Musician recruiting video, which will help answer some questions about being a musician in the Canadian Forces.

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 learn more about what is involved in becoming and remaining a member of the Primary Reserve.


To join the band as an associate member, the Director of Music reserves the right to require the applicant to undergo a process similar to the above, but to hold a live audition in lieu of submitting 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 as well as a 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;
b. timpani;
c. mallets; and
d. drum set (various beats, rhythms and styles at various tempi).

The applicant will be required to supply copies of their prepared pieces in advance of the audition. Sight reading and ensemble materials will be supplied by the band.


Contact Information

Regimental Recruiting Office
Phone: 250-363-8272
Email: 5thBCRCA@forces.gc.ca
Band Orderly Room
Phone: 250-363-8203
Email: bandofthe5th@gmail.com
Regimental Orderly Room: 250-363-3626

Bay Street Armoury
715 Bay Street
Victoria, BC
V8T 1R1

Apply Directly: Canadian Forces Recruiting Website