RECENT OR POTENTIAL GRADS: Military Interpreter-Piper

 About Us

The Halifax Citadel Society supports programming at the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site of Canada.

Established on 10 July 1993, it is a non-profit, charitable organization which works in partnership with

Parks Canada.  The main focus of the Society’s program is the re-enactment of the 78th Highland Regiment of Foot and the 3rd Brigade, Royal Artillery. This extensive living history program runs year-round for visitors to the Halifax Citadel.

Do you play? We need you!

Calling all bagpipers and rope tension drummers with an interest and passion for bringing to life the historic Pipes and Drums band of the 78th Highlanders! We’re looking for musicians who play at a Grade 4 level to work as a Military Interpreter, learning the British Army drill of 1869, and playing the period music of the time.

As a Military Interpreter, you will:

• Present historic music by providing hourly calls, playing solos and participating in band concerts
• Participate in drill squad maneuvers for special events and daily activities
• Contribute to an historical atmosphere for visitors and staff alike
• Maintain proper dress, drill, and deportment standards
• Maintain musical knowledge, and expertise

What Makes a Good Military Interpreter?

While musical ability is the priority, this job entails historic interpretation duties within a national historic site. There are many qualities that our best interpreters share, which we look for in new applicants, such as:

• Comfort in interacting with the public and talking about your instrument and historic roots of the Pipes and Drums band
• Ability to wear and maintain historic kits and uniforms. Our band needs to stand out wherever they go!
• Having a genuine interest in the historic operations of the program
• Team-oriented attitude
• Attention to detail, and commitment to the highest standards of service in all duties
• Enjoy working outdoors, and can perform in all summer weather conditions

Why Play for Us?

If playing with, and learning from other excellent musicians, getting access to free lessons, and the opportunity to perform in our exciting showband sound interesting, working for the HCS is your chance!

Job Description

Position Title: Military Interpreter – Piper

Position Type: Term Section: Program

Sub-Unit: Pipes & Drums

Reports To: Military Interpreter – Pipe Major

Duties & Responsibilities

• Performs solo and group musical demonstrations and concerts, including duty calls and piping.
• Participates in daily music and drill training.
• Participates in special events and ceremonial functions both onsite and offsite.
• Performs security functions during historic weapons demonstrations.
• Conducts guided site tours and interpretive programs, and interprets period exhibits and displays.
• Maintains personal uniforms, equipment, and instruments through regular cleaning and shining.
• Participates in the daily fatigue (cleaning) program of operational work areas.
• Performs other duties as required.

Requirements

Education

• No specific previous education is required.

Experience

• At least one year of competitive experience as a soloist.
• Recent experience in a pipe band playing at the Grade 3/4 level (or above).
• Level III Piping & Drumming Certificate (Piping) or higher.

Skills & Abilities

• The physical and mental ability to perform nineteenth-century British army foot and band drill, and to meet other essential physical demands.
• The ability to learn, memorize, and perform historic music within a limited time frame.
• The ability to work efficiently as a member of a team.
• The ability to learn historical information and present it accurately and efficiently to members of the public.
• The ability to speak and present in public, and to deliver guided site tours and other types of programming and interpretation to diverse groups of visitors.
• Advanced theoretical knowledge and practical music skills on the Great Highland Bagpipe.

Conditions of Employment

• Willingness and ability to wear historic military uniforms and equipment, and to adhere to associated personal appearance standards.
• Willingness to travel between work locations in small boats, and work in semi-isolated locations with limited infrastructure.
• Willingness and ability to obtain and maintain a Government of Canada Reliability Status security clearance.
• Full vaccination against COVID-19.

Working Conditions

• Wears reproduction British and/or Canadian army uniforms, accoutrements, and equipment.
• Works primarily outdoors on rough surfaces and in all weather conditions, performing physically demanding tasks and standing for long periods of time.
• Also works inside historic fortifications in both period-accurate and modern spaces.
• Works a variable work schedule including weekends, holidays, evenings, and/or overtime as required.