Section 1: General

Aim

1. This instruction provides guidance on Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) policy for all CAF personnel with regards to music.

Scope

This instruction includes policies on the role, organization, capabilities, limitations and employment of CAF bands and musicians. It is applicable to the Regular and Reserve Forces. It is designed to meet the requirements for war and with modifications as necessary, for peace.
2. In accordance with DAOD 1000-0, Corporate Administrative Direction, the Chief of Military Personnel (CMP) is mandated to provide functional direction for all CAF bands.

Section 2: Mission & Vision of the Music Branch

Mission

1. To support the Canadian Armed Forces and the Government of Canada through the provision of music services in order to promote our heritage, enhance esprit de corps and morale, inspire the support of Canadians and promote our national interests and values both domestically and abroad.

Vision

2. As an organization of excellence, the Canadian Armed Forces Music Branch will place the utmost importance on the professionalism of its musicians so as to proudly offer versatile, innovative and modern musical capabilities in order to engage and inspire those for whom we perform.

Section 3: Responsibilities

Chief of Military Personnel

1. The Chief of Military Personnel (CMP) has the authority to establish and oversee personnel policies, plans and programs for musicians, and promulgate policies and procedures in respect of the performance of ceremonial functions by CAF bands and musicians. CMP is responsible for managing the provision of music support.

Level 1 Commanders

2. Level 1 Commanders exercise command over CAF bands and assigned musicians, including the approval of the provision of music support. They are responsible for employing CAF bands and musicians in accordance with CMP’s functional guidance and direction and have the authority to establish temporary or composite CAF bands for specific taskings.

Director of the Directorate of History and Heritage

3. The Director of the Directorate of History and Heritage (DHH) has the authority to advise the staff of level 1 Commanders on the suitability of CAF bands and musicians for public performances at local, national and international events and advises on the release of any CAF band recordings for public distribution. DHH is responsible for staffing policies, plans and procedures to guide the provision of music support, and provides staff assistance visits (SAVs) to CAF bands.

Music Branch Advisor

4. The Music Branch Advisor advises the Assistant Chief of Military Personnel regarding the exercise of occupation authority with respect to the Music Branch. The Branch Advisor provides a focal point for the professional identity and functional employment of musicians in accordance with CAF MIL PERS INSTR 02/08, “Branch Advisors - Roles and Responsibilities”.

Supervisor of Music

5. The Supervisor of Music (normally also the Music Branch Advisor) advises the Director of Personnel Generation Requirements (DPGR) on musician qualification and entry standards. The Supervisor of Music’s responsibilities are delineated at Chapter 1, Section 5, para 1.

Colonel Commandant

6. A CAF Music Branch Colonel Commandant may be appointed in accordance with CFAO 3-4, Honourary Appointments and Honourary Ranks. The terms of reference of a Colonel Commandant include: fostering esprit de corps throughout the organization, advising NDHQ on matters of significance to the organization they represent, the administration and disposition of appropriate funds and property, liaising between the units of the Regular Force and Reserve Force that are in their organization and advising military associations or unit commanders in order to maintain uniformity in such matters as dress and custom within their affiliations.

Section 4: Organization

Structure

1. The Music Branch is comprised of:
   1. Directorate of History and Heritage (DHH) Music (DHH 7);
   2. Canadian Forces Logistic Training Center (CFLTC) Music Division; and
   3. Canadian Armed Forces bands.

Occupations

2. The Music Branch includes the following occupations:
   1. MUSC – 00210:
      1.  00210-01 - Regular Force Music Officers
      2.  00210-07 - Primary Reserve Music Officers
   2. MUSCN – 00166:
      1.  00166-02 - Brass and Reed Regular Force NCMs
      2.  00166-03 - Contemporary Regular Force NCMs
      3.  00166-04 - Strings Regular Force NCMs
      4.  00166-07 – Brass and Reed Primary Reserve NCMs
      5.  00166-08 – Contemporary Primary Reserve NCMs
   3. P&D– 00377:
      1.  00377-01 - Pipes and Drums Regular Force NCMs
      2.  00377-01 - Pipes and Drums Primary Reserve NCMs

Bands

3. There are three main types of CAF bands:
   1. Regular Force bands;
   2. Reserve Force bands; and
   3. Authorized Voluntary bands.

Regular Force Bands

4. Regular Force bands are comprised of 00166 MUSCN and 00210 MUSC occupations. These include bands created for special tasks. These bands are capable of providing music support nationally and internationally. L1s authorize international performances based on technical advice from DHH (see Chapter 2, Section 1, para 10 for details).

Reserve Force Brass and Reed Bands

5. Reserve Force brass and reed bands are comprised of 00166 MUSCN and 00210 MUSC occupations who are members of the Reserves. These include bands created for special tasks and seasonal employment (e.g. the Band of the Ceremonial Guard and the National Band of the Naval Reserve). Reserve bands vary in size and capabilities and therefore consultation with DHH 7 should occur before employing them outside their region. L1s may authorize international performances considering the technical assessment of DHH (see Chapter 2, Section 1, para 10 for details) but normally these taskings are musically supported by Regular Force bands.

Reserve Force Pipes and Drums

6. Reserve Force pipes and drums are comprised of the 00377 P&D occupation who are members of the Reserves. These include bands created for special tasks and seasonal employment (e.g. the Band of the Ceremonial Guard). Reserve bands vary in size and capabilities and therefore consultation with DHH 7 should occur before employing them outside their region. L1s may authorize international performances considering the technical assessment of DHH (see Chapter 2, Section 1, para 10 for details).

Authorized Voluntary Brass and Reed Bands

7. An authorized voluntary brass and reed band is one comprised of members of the CAF authorized to participate as a formed body in performing music, or in other ceremonial activity outside their normal occupation, and training on a voluntary basis. Associate members (civilians) may be authorized by the respective L1 to participate in band activities at unit, base/wing and formation level and to wear a uniform in public performances in accordance with A-DH-265-000/AG-001, CAF Dress Instructions, Chapter 2, Section 1 and Chapter 5, Section 2 and as detailed in L1 Dress Instructions. Voluntary bands are led by a RQ WO qualified Reg F 00166 MUSCN or qualified Reg F 00210 MUSC and provide music support to their base/wing.

Authorized Voluntary Pipes and Drums

8. An authorized voluntary pipes and drums is one comprised of members of the CAF authorized to participate as a formed body in performing music, or in other ceremonial activity outside their normal occupation, and training on a voluntary basis. Associate members (civilians) may be authorized by the respective L1 to participate in band activities at unit, base/wing and formation level and to wear a uniform in public performances in accordance with A-DH-265-000/AG-001, CAF Dress Instructions, Chapter 2, Section 1 and Chapter 5, Section 2 and as detailed in L1 Dress Instructions. Voluntary pipes and drums are led by a Reg F WO or Sgt 00377 and a Reg F MCpl 00377 Pipes and Drums and provide music support to their base/wing.

Volunteer

9. A “volunteer” is a CAF member from another occupation who possesses musical ability and with the permission of the chain of command, volunteers their time to perform with a CAF authorized voluntary band. CAF members maintain the duties and responsibilities and bearing of their actual rank regardless of their position within the band.

Associate Member

10. An associate member is a civilian who possesses musical ability and volunteers their time to perform with an authorized band. Civilians should not normally be tasked to international events.

Musician(s)

11. For the purpose of this instruction, the term “musician(s)” refers to the 00210 MUSC, 00166 MUSCN and 00377 P&D occupations.

CAF Bands

12. CAF bands are listed in Annex A [PDF 470 KB] to this chapter.

Personnel and Career Management

13. Regular Force: Director of Military Careers (D Mil C), in consultation with the Supervisor of Music, staffs CAF bands with Regular Force personnel to their authorized strength and according to instrument specialty. The Supervisor of Music (DHH 7) or a delegate validates the entry level audition for all CAF Reg F musicians, pipes and drums and music officers.
14. Royal Canadian Navy Naval Reserve: Naval Reserve Divisions (NRD), in consultation with the NAVRES Senior Staff Officer (SSO) Bands and the unit Director of Music, are responsible for staffing NRD Bands with personnel to their authorized strength and according to instrument specialty. NAVRES Musician career progression is monitored by an assigned NAVRES Career Manager in consultation with SSO Bands. Promotions are done on a national level carried out by a Selection Board and pending Commander NAVRES approval. The Supervisor of Music (DHH 7) or a delegate validates the entry level audition for all NAVRES musicians and music officers.
15. Canadian Army Primary Reserve: Primary Reserve Army Units, in consultation with the unit Director of Music and Band Sergeant-Major/Pipe-Major, are responsible for staffing PRes CA Bands with personnel to their authorized strength and according to instrument specialty as well as the rank structure of the Band. The Supervisor of Music (DHH 7) or a delegate validates the entry level audition for all CA PRes musicians, pipes and drums and music officers.
16. Royal Canadian Air Force Primary Reserve: Primary Reserve Units, in consultation with the unit Director of Music and Senior Warrant Officer/Pipe-Major, are responsible for staffing RCAF PRes Bands to their authorized strength, in accordance with RCAF Reserve Employment Selection Processes described in AFO 5006-15 (accessible only on the DWAN) and according to instrument specialty as well as the rank structure of the Band. The Supervisor of Music (DHH 7) or a delegate validates the entry level audition for all RCAF PRes musicians, pipes and drums and music officers.

CFLTC Music Division

17. The CFLTC Music Division is responsible for the design, development, and delivery of musical training in accordance with the 00166 Musician, 00377 Pipes and Drums and 00210 Music qualification standards. This is a division of the Canadian Forces Logistics Training Centre (CFLTC).

Section 5: Key Appointments

Senior CAF Music Branch Staff

Supervisor of Music

1. The Supervisor of Music is normally the CAF Music Branch Advisor and advises the Assistant Chief of Military Personnel (Asst CMP), through the Director - History and Heritage, on CMP’s functional authority with respect to the Music Branch.

   Responsibilities:

   1. validate the technical capability and professional competency of all CAF musicians and bands;
   2. complete staff assistance visits to CAF bands;
   3. provide advice with regards to all CAF Music Branch policy;
   4. recommend Music Branch policy changes to DHH;
   5. screen or audition all new 00210 Music Officer candidates to confirm their conducting abilities;
   6. conduct, coordinate and evaluate technical auditions of prospective musicians, 00210 MUSC, 00166 MUSCN and 00377 P&D, as part of the recruiting process;
   7. review the instrumental configurations of all CAF bands;
   8. carry out Branch duties in accordance with “CAF MIL PERS INSTR 02/08, “Branch Advisors - Roles and Responsibilities”;
   9. advise the Director of Personnel Generation Requirements on music qualification standards;
   10. staff recommendations to DHH authorizing official music, marches and calls;
   11. provide recommendations to DHH for CAF band suitability and availability in international engagements;
   12. monitor performances by CAF bands and both national and international;
   13. maintain musical awareness and professional visibility in the Canadian and international military and civilian music communities; and
   14. maintain membership in the International Military Band Inspectors Group.

Music Branch Chief Warrant Officer

2. The Music Branch CPO1/CWO is the Sr NCM in the branch and reports to the Supervisor of Music. The Music Branch CPO1/CWO is normally the Senior Occupational Advisor and SME for the MUSCN occupation.

   Responsibilities:

   1. act as a SME to advise on and manage personnel, including career planning, succession planning and management, and other issues (e.g., technical);
   2. communicate policies and directives to members of the branch and directing dress standards, discipline, and ceremonial protocol;
   3. advise the SoM/Br Advisor, as is appropriate, about personnel concerns and monitor the morale and welfare of branch members;
   4. active in all technical (e.g., music policy, procedures and changes to qualifications), personnel (e.g., promotion boards, posting plots, occupation structure, etc.);
   5. advise on current and emerging music capabilities and its impact on employment of members within the MUSCN occupation;
   6. analyze, advise and report on current and emergent music capabilities;
   7. analyze, advise, and report on operational and strategic MUSCN employment;
   8. evaluate and advise on MUSCN contributions to operational and strategic aims;
   9. represents the welfare of all members of the occupation and promote excellence, professionalism, and teamwork within the occupation;
   10. maintains situational awareness of the health of the occupation and works closely with the career manager, DPGR, Training Authority (CFLTC Borden) as well as the Occupation Authority (DMPPPC 4) to optimize occupational health; and
   11. communicate with NCMs and officers about the state of the occupation and liaise with environmental/branch CPO2/MWO to coordinate occupational requirements with the needs of all three environments and the branch as a whole.

Canadian Armed Forces Music Standards Advisor

3. The Canadian Armed Forces Music Standards Advisor reports to the Supervisor of Music and their main task is to control music branch operational standards.

   Responsibilities:

   1. advise on band drill, standards, capabilities and readiness;
   2. advise on business plan, music training, performance and branch policies;
   3. evaluate band and music standards;
   4. implement mobilization plan; and
   5. assess music standards, conducting, and music policy compliance and
   6. coordinating and overseeing all Regular Force musician auditions, including liaison with Canadian Forces Recruiting Group.

Canadian Armed Forces Music Policy Advisor

4. The Canadian Armed Forces Music Policy Advisor reports to the Supervisor of Music and their main task is to control CAF music policy.

   Responsibilities:

   1. advise on music training, policy, auditions, doctrine, establishment, recording and copyright;
   2. advise on American Federation of Musicians Canada agreements;
   3. develop music policy and mobilization plan;
   4. maintain music publications and statistics; and
   5. administer live performance reporting.

Training Administrator

5. The Training Administrator reports to the Commandant of CFLTC and their main task is to control music school training.

   Responsibilities:

   1. control music school training, budget and personnel;
   2. advise on music training, policy, personnel and training budgets;
   3. instruct music candidates;
   4. approve initial review board recommendations and training reports;
   5. chair progress review boards;
   6. develop music training and course schedules; and
   7. assess and debrief music performance.

Canadian Armed Forces National Music Advisor (Reserve)

6. The National Music Advisor for Reserves reports to the Supervisor of Music and their main task is to advise nationally on Res F music issues.

   Responsibilities:

   1. advise on Res F band capabilities, policies, establishment, and training;
   2. recommend changes to music branch policy;
   3. complete SAVs to all Res F Bands;
   4. evaluating technical auditions for Res F 00166 MUSCN, 00377 P&D and 00210 MUSC.
   5. Liaise with CAF Environmental Music Advisors (Reserve) on all Res F music issues.

Canadian Armed Forces Environmental Music Advisor (Reserve)

7. The Environmental Advisors report to their environmental commanders and are responsive to the National Advisor on technical matters.

   Responsibilities:

   1. advise on Res F band capabilities, policies, establishment, funding model, international travel and training;
   2. coordinate Res F band taskings, training, standards visits and reporting; and
   3. draft and maintain Res F band environmental music policy.

Canadian Armed Forces Regional Music Advisor

8. The Regional Music Advisors report to regional commanders and their main function is to advise on the employment of Res F bands. The Regional Advisor is responsive to their respective Environmental Advisor.

   Responsibilities:

   1. advise on Res F band capabilities, policies employment of bands and training;
   2. coordinate Res F band taskings, training, recruiting process, standards visits and reporting; and
   3. draft Res F band regional music policy.

Pipes and Drums Senior Occupational Advisor

9. The Pipes and Drums Senior Occupational Advisor is considered a SME for the occupation and reports to the Supervisor of Music. Their main task is the management of the Pipes and Drums Occupation as the technical authority.

   Responsibilities:

   1. in conjunction with Supervisor of Music, complete SAVs to all Res F Pipes and Drums;
   2. complete SAVs to all voluntary pipes and drums, and provide advice to voluntary pipes and drums leaders and their chain of command;
   3. address Reg F NCM Pipes and Drums career issues in conjunction with the Career Manager;
   4. act as a SME to advise on and manage personnel, including career planning, succession planning and management, and other issues (e.g., technical);
   5. communicate policies and directives to members of the occupation and directing dress standards, discipline, and ceremonial protocol;
   6. active in all technical (e.g., music policy, procedures and changes to qualifications) and personnel (e.g., posting plots, occupation structure, etc.) aspects of the occupation;
   7. advise on current and emerging music capabilities and its impact on employment of members within the P&D occupation;
   8. represent the welfare of all members of the occupation and promote excellence, professionalism, and teamwork within the occupation;
   9. analyze and advise on occupation training, working closely with the Training Authority (CFLTC);
   10. review and advise on ResF auditions; and
   11. review, advise and manage RegF auditions.

Director of Music

10. A Director of Music (DMus) is a commanding officer or officer commanding a band and is responsible to the chain of command.

    Responsibilities:

    1. provide advice to the Regional Joint Task Force Commander;
    2. provide musical leadership of the assigned ensemble;
    3. coordinate the band’s engagements;
    4. ensure technical proficiency of all band members is maintained; and
    5. ensure compliance with Music Branch policies.

Band Chief Petty Officer / Band Sergeant Major / Senior Warrant Officer

11. Every CAF band must appoint a Band Chief Petty Officer (BCPO), Band Sergeant Major (BSM) or Senior Warrant Officer (SWO). The BCPO/BSM/SWO will normally be the most senior NCM in the band.

    Responsibilities:

    1. act as assistant conductor for the band’s ensembles; and
    2. advise the DMus on matters pertaining to NCM personnel issues, succession planning, morale, professional development, dress, drill, discipline and leadership.

Drum Major

12. The Drum Major is appointed by the commanding officer or officer commanding a band. The Drum Major is responsible to the band’s Director of Music.

    Responsibilities:

    1. lead the band on parade and perform as the unit Drum Major;
    2. organize all ceremonial activities for the unit including the preparation of parade states and rosters.

Pipe Major

13. Each pipes and drums should appoint a Pipe Major, who is normally the senior ranking piper. Bands with only a small number of personnel may not require a Pipe Major but rather the appointment of senior musician.

    Responsibilities:

    1. act as the musical director for the pipes and drums;
    2. maintain the highest degree of expertise and proficiency as a soloist;
    3. select, compile, arrange and instruct the bands repertoire;
    4. interpret the music to the drum corps;
    5. coordinate and organize a band training and performance schedule;
    6. recruit and train members of the pipes and drums;
    7. ensure compliance with Music Branch and CAF policies;
    8. advise on procurement of pipes and drums uniforms and instruments; and
    9. advise on all financial considerations for the pipes and drums and their engagements.

Authorized Voluntary Band Leaders and Instructional Cadres

14. Authorized voluntary band leaders and instructional Cadres are CAF members in the Music 00210, Musician 00166 or Pipes and Drums 00377 occupations posted to fill positions on CAF bases/wings, units or formations.

15. Authorized voluntary band leaders and Instructional cadres are responsible to the base/wing, unit or formation commander for:
    1. the leadership, organization, administration and musical efficiency of the voluntary band;
    2. the recruitment and training members for the voluntary band;
    3. the security, care and maintenance of band property in accordance with King’s Regulations and Orders, Article 32.04; and
    4. the provision of advice on local band and music matters.