• Interim Director of Bands for Sullivan, IL Middle and High School 2024-2025.
• Quarter Finalist for the 2026 Grammy’s Music Educator Award
• Married and Father with three kids ages 8, 12, and 14.
• Personally instructs an average of 80 to 100 music students a week from all over the US.
• Performs and teaches several melodic and rhythmic instruments (see list here)
• Arranges music and develops original compositions for choir, concert, orchestra and marching band programs across the US. Visit CK Marching Services Face Book for marching band information.
• Assists with local school music programs with music, repairs and consulting through out the Midwest.
• Director for the Central Illinois Home School Wood Winds and Brass Class (ensemble)
• Worship Leader at First Southern Baptist Church in Mattoon, IL
• Active freelance multi-instrumentalist
• Active percussion instructor for schools throughout Central Illinois.
• Percussion, Brass, Winds, and Visual Clinician and Adjudicator throughout the Midwest.

As a highly sought after music instructor, Christopher Keniley brings over 25 years of education and performance experience to Central Illinois. Chris’s teaching methods has created functional musicians, worship leaders, and educators throughout the US. Through clear instruction, constant review, and adaptable strategies have proven that anyone can learn a musical instrument.

Other notable merits include marching in the Colts Drum and Bugle Corps (98-2001), recording, tours, ministry, clinics, adjudicating at school competitions including solo/ensemble and marching band competitions, cruise ships, theater, social media and more.

Chris Keniley works hard to encourage and enable musicians of all ages to participate in music through school, church, and different community programs.

As of 2025 Keniley is a quarterfinalist for the prestigious 2016 Grammy Music Educator Award. Click below for article.

https://www.grammy.com/news/music-educator-award-2026-quarterfinalists

To learn more about Christopher Keniley’s current projects or sign up for music lessons, contact Chris K Music!

Currently have oppenings for online students.  Come join my teaching roster of over 80 students throughout the US.