Pipes and Drums Recruiting / Audition Information

General Information

Pipers and Drummers of the Ceremonial Guard are part of the Canadian Forces Primary Reserve. The Guard forms each summer for the purpose of mounting the changing of the guard on parliament hill, providing sentries at the tomb of the unknown soldier at the National War Monument, and sentries at Government House (Rideau Hall) the official residence of Canada’s Governor General. Pipers and Drummers also support events at foreign embassies and other sites around the National Capital Region.

The Guard attracts large crowds where ever it performs with the world famous Changing of the Guard being just one venue Pipers and Drummers might be found playing. Fortissimo, the annual Sunset Ceremony and Beat Retreat on Parliament Hill is another event that the Pipes and Drums are involved in. It is the largest military show in Ottawa.

Pipers and Drummers employed with Ceremonial Guard are experienced to life in the Canadian Forces. They gain valuable experience on their instrument and are true ambassadors to Canada while doing so.

First Year Pipers and Drummers

If you are not already enrolled you would be required to show up in Late April. High quality instruments (McCallum AB2, HTS700’s) are provided. Introductory military and musical training along with ceremonial training would last approximately seven and a half weeks, followed by daily changing of the guard ceremonies and public duties around the nation’s capital which will last until the end of August. Meals, accommodation and uniforms are all provided, as well as emergency dental and medical.

Trained Pipers and Drummers

Trained Pipers and Drummers would show up mid May and undergo four or five weeks of musical and ceremonial training. Meals, accommodation and uniforms are all provided, as well as emergency dental and medical. A short memo from your Commanding Officer giving you permission to audition is required.

Training

Selected Pipers and Drummers that do not presently serve with a Unit will be enlisted into the Canadian Forces Primary Reserve. You would be required to complete basic training prior to starting ceremonial training. Basic training is intense and a great deal is demanded of each piper and drummer. A physical conditioning program should be followed prior to arrival.

Eligibility – civilian applicants

• You are at minimum a Grade 3 competitive piper or drummer (or equivalent)

You are eligible to enter the competition if:

• You are a Canadian Citizen or landed emigrant 17 yrs of age by 1st of July
• You are medically fit within the Canadian Forces Standards
• You are prepared to pass the CF Physical fitness test
• You are of good character

Auditions

When your application is received you will be informed by phone when and where your audition will take place. These will be conducted between January and February. A list will be posted on this website as to who is on the accepted list and who will be on standby. You will need to remember the application number that is given to you to reference this list.

Requirements for Pipers Audition

Pipers are requested to be prepared to play;

• 3x slow marches (any time signature)
• 3x 4/4 Marches (4 parts)
• 3x 6/8 Marches (4 parts)
• 2x 4-parts of 2/4 march (i.e. 2-4pt tunes or 4-2pt tunes)
• 2x 4-parts of Strathspey (2-4pt tunes or 4-2pt tunes)
• 2x 4 parts of reel (2-4pt tunes or 4-2pt tunes)
• Be prepared to be assessed using a sight reading exercise

Requirement for Drummers Audition

Drummers are requested to be prepared to play;

• 3x slow march beatings (any time signature)
• 3x 4/4 March beating’s (4 parts)
• 3x 6/8 March beatings (4 parts)
• 2x 4-parts of 2/4 march
• 2x 4-parts of Strathspey
• 2x 4 parts of reel
• Be prepared to be assessed using a sight reading exercise

Enrolment into the Primary Reserve

If you are not presently enrolled in the primary reserve, and you are selected, you will be directed to your local recruiting center for processing. When reporting to the recruiting center you will require;

• Social Insurance Card
• Birth Certificate
• Certified copy of High School and University transcripts
• Proof of Canadian Citizenship (if applicable)
• Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
• Two character references