Musician
Company: CANADIAN FORCES Location: CA-QC-Montreal
Status: Full Time, Employee Job Category: Arts, Entertainment, and MediaApply Online
Job Description
Musician
Overview
You will provide musical support for all aspects of military life, including ceremonial parades, graduations, ship ceremonies, etc. Military Musicians, by means of public performances, provide an important public relations vehicle for the Canadian Forces.
What They Do
Military Musicians (MUSCN) provide musical support for all aspects of military life, including ceremonial parades, graduations, ship ceremonies, etc. They also perform at government functions such as the opening of Parliament. Military Musicians, by means of public performances, provide an important public relations vehicle for the Canadian Forces.
Provide musical support for official military and government functions
Perform as instrumentalists and/or conductors in various musical ensembles such as concert bands, parade bands, dance bands and small chamber groups.
Read about the Ceremonial Guard's 25 years of music and the Fortissimo annual music festival.
Qualification Requirements
Since the closure of the Canadian Forces School of Music in 1994, the Canadian Forces have been enrolling skilled musicians only. Competitions are held periodically for available positions in the six Regular Force bands. In the past, successful applicants have typically been experienced, professional musicians, many of them having a degree in Music Performance. This remains the standard expected of applicants today. Musicians must be multi-talented performers with experience in several musical styles, and must be able to adapt to all types of performance situations and to diverse audiences. Musicians must have a good memory and learning ability as well as superior manual dexterity and spatial perception. They must also be able to perform detailed, repetitive tasks and work well with others.
Training
Basic Military Qualification
The first stage of training for everyone is the 13-week Basic Military Qualification (BMQ) course at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec. This training provides the basic core skills and knowledge common to all trades. A goal of this course is to ensure that all recruits maintain the CF physical fitness standard, as a result, the training is physically demanding. BMQ covers the following topics:
Policies and regulations of the Canadian Forces;
CF drill, dress and deportment (the “three D’s”);
Basic safety;
First aid;
Personal survival in nuclear, biological and chemical conditions;
Handling and firing personal weapons;
Cross-country navigation; and
Personal survival in field conditions.
Initial Employment
The following is a list of the Regular Force bands:
The Stadacona Band of the Maritime Forces Atlantic, Halifax, Nova Scotia
The Naden Band of the Maritime Forces Pacific, Victoria, British Columbia
The Royal Canadian Artillery Band, Edmonton, Alberta
The Royal 22e Régiment Band, Courcelette, Quebec
The Central Band of the Canadian Forces, Ottawa, Ontario
The Air Command Band, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Working Environment
While on duty with a Regular Force band, personnel could find themselves in a wide variety of performing environments and venues, from performances in concert halls to providing musical support at ceremonial parades, all of which are integral parts of the military Musician’s life. Band schedules are very hectic with frequent travel and varying periods of time away from home and family. Loading, unloading, and setting up and taking down of equipment for performances becomes a strenuous part of the schedule. As highly visible representatives of the Canadian Forces, Musicians must be aware of the need for exemplary dress, behaviour, and overall professionalism. Appropriate training, environmental clothing and equipment are provided, and Musicians’ health, safety and morale are closely monitored.
Advanced MOC Training
Advanced Military Occupation Training and Specialty Training
Personnel who demonstrate the required ability and ambition will undertake advanced military occupation training through formal courses or on-the-job training as they progress in their careers. Specialty training may also be available. Below are examples of training related to this military occupation.
Advanced Training Course
Conducting/Scoring (Assistant Director of Music)
Specialty Training Course
Voluntary Band Instructor
Career Development
This military occupation offers many unique opportunities for qualified professional musicians. Excellent musical training or experience is provided in the six professional Canadian Forces bands. In addition, military Musicians enjoy many exciting travel experiences.
Related Civilian Occupations
Instrumental Musician
Band or Orchestra Leader
Singer
Arranger or Composer
Author
