Bagpipes

Mandatory music selection requirements for auditioning as a piper.

Recruiting for this
instrument closes on the
31st of May 2026.

Military personnel only:

This competition is open to serving members applying for the position of Pipe Major.

You must:

• be the rank of Corporal or above
• be eligible to be a musician on your aptitude test
• perform at a minimum grade level 2 from the Pipers’ and Pipe Band Society of Ontario

Mandatory music selections

• one Lament: “Flowers of the Forest”
• one Piobaireachd: From the Piobaireachd Society Silver or Gold Medal Set Tunes – current year, or previous year list
• one Hornpipe/Jig: Minimum 4 parts each (of your choice)
• one M/S/R Minimum 4 parts each (of your choice)
• two 6/8 Marches: Minimum 4 parts each (of your choice)

We will contact you with your results

The music selection board will assess your submission. When the assessment is completed, you will be informed whether or not you are selected to participate in a live audition.

Audition process and preparation

The live audition is divided into 2 parts:

Solo performance:

• audition repertoire criteria will remain the same as listed in the mandatory selections

Music Branch interview:

A selection panel within the Regular Force Band will assess you. After the audition, you will be interviewed by the panel. All recordings and assessments will be sent to DHH Music for final selection.

Final selection will be based on the panel’s recommendations.