Pipes and Drums

Overview

As a member of the miilitary, Pipers and Drummers provide musical support for all aspects of military life, including ceremonial parades, military graduations and domestic operations. The piper and drummer’s role is to provide musical support to the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). Their performances promote the military ethos, foster esprit de Corps and maintain rich historical ties to our highland culture. Pipers and drummers are also a very effective tool in connecting with Canadian Communities by participating in domestic operations and reflecting positively on the CAF.

• Government and military parades and ceremonies
• Public concerts, shows and festivals
• Military and state dinners
• International commemorations
• Military tattoos
• Events in support of recruiting

Work environment

Pipers and drummers perform throughout the world representing the CAF and the citizens of Canada. While on duty, personnel could find themselves supporting a wide variety of operations in many different environments. Pipers and drummers provide support to military parades, they engage with the public and assist in supporting various operations domestically and abroad. From performances outside in varying whether to performances in the unit lines and concert venues, work environments vary. Pipers and drummers also complete other duties at their unit in support of their bands administrative tasks and secondary duties.

If you chose a career in the Regular Force, upon completion of all required training, you will be assigned to your first base. While there is some flexibility with regards to postings (relocations), accommodations can’t always be made, and therefore, you can likely expect to move at some point in your career. However, if you decide to join the Primary Reserve Force, you will do so through a specific Reserve unit. Outside of training, your chosen Reserve unit will be your workplace on a part time basis, and you will not be obligated to relocate to a different base. As part of the Primary Reserve Force, you typically work one night per week and some weekends as a minimum with possibilities of full-time employment.

Entry plans

• Direct Entry Options

The CAF enrolls pipers and drummers to the Reserve Force through an audition process. An audition will accompany your file once you begin the recruiting process with your respective recruiting centre. For more information on this process, please visit Canadian Forces Music Branch page.

Full-time employment is possible with the Regular Force. This is also done through an audition process and only available to members already serving in the CAF.

Foreign education may be accepted.

Training

The first stage of training is the Basic Military Qualification (BMQ). As a part-time Reserve Force member, you will complete this training locally with your reserve unit. This training provides the basic core skills and knowledge common to all occupations. A goal of this course is to ensure that all recruits maintain the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) physical fitness standard; as a result, the training is physically demanding. Pipes and Drums occupation specific training takes place at Music Division, Borden, ON for five weeks.

Pipers and Drummers may be offered the opportunity to develop specialized skills through formal courses and on-the-job training, including:

• Drum Major Course
• Military support band training

Part time options

This position is available for part-time employment with the Primary Reserve at certain locations across Canada. Reserve Force members usually serve part time in their community, and may serve while going to school or working at a civilian job. They are paid during their training. They are not posted or required to do a military move. However, they can volunteer to move to another base. They may also volunteer for deployment on a military mission within or outside Canada.

Pipers and drummers may serve with the Canadian Army or Royal Canadian Air Force. They are employed to provide musical support for CAF operations. Pipers and drummers employed on a part-time or casual full-time basis usually serve at a military base, wing or at their home Regiment.

Find a Recruiting Centre

Reserve Force training begins with the Basic Military Qualification course. Once this course is complete, pipers and drummers will begin training with their pipe band at their home unit. This will ensure they are ready for future pipes and drums training that takes place at Music Division, Borden, ON.

Reserve Force members usually serve part-time with their home unit for scheduled evenings and weekends, although they may also serve in full-time positions at some units for fixed terms, depending on the type of work that they do. They are paid 92.8% of Regular Force rates of pay, receive a reasonable benefits package, and also may qualify for tuition benefits and to contribute to a pension plan.

Related Careers

Musician