Welcome to Chris Kilian Music!

At Chris Kilian Music, I create custom compositions and arrangements designed around your ensemble’s unique instrumentation, ability level, and creative vision.  CKM is your band's secret weapon!

I'm also available for concert band commissions and wherever else your imagination leads you.  My goal is to be an indispensable resource for you and your program.  Let's chat about the possibilities.

Two brand new shows on the way!

Yes, I specialize in custom music arrangements, but I'm working on two shows that are sure to get the attention of the football crowds and competition judges alike.  Need more information? Just contact me today!

Show #1: A "Grave" Situation:  Graveyard based, fun, sometimes serious, but endless possibilities from a visual perspective.

Show #2:  Tentatively titled "Rocks":  This is a somewhat more serious show focused around geology and the natural beauty of our planet.

Both shows are fully customizable from a score and range standpoint, and will include music for winds, battery, and front ensemble.  I can have the sound design done for you if you like.  If you want drill, I can also bring someone on board.  

Good skill with indoor and concert season!

Off-the-shelf shows may seem convenient—but they often leave sections under-challenged or fail to reflect what makes your program unique. That’s where I come in. As a 30-plus year veteran of the marching arts, I partner with directors and students to build shows that inspire students, excite audiences and raise your program’s profile. From the first draft to final performance, I’m your collaborator to the last step.

I stay involved from first draft to final performance—offering edits and rewrites throughout your competitive season as your show evolves and feedback rolls in. When you hire me, you get a collaborator who’s in it until the last show day.

Let’s build something original, exciting, and unmistakably yours.

Why Choose Chris Kilian Music?

I have been involved in the marching arts since 1991 as a marching member, drum major, instructor, administrator, show and staff coordinator, music arranger, composer, drill designer, show designer, and adjudicator.  I keep my client roster small on purpose, because I want to spend time on each project and write the best music possible for the students.  They deserve it.

  • Member:

    • Archbishop Ryan High School 91-94
    • West Chester University 95-97 
    • Bushwackers Drum & Bugle Corps 96-07, 09-10

  • Instructor:

    • Many high schools in the Mid-Atlantic region including Phoenixville HS, Upper Darby HS, Bensalem HS, Archbishop Ryan HS, and others.

  • Arranger/Composer:

    • I began writing for Phoenixville HS in 1997 and have been writing for bands and drum corps around the country ever since.
    • I have recently started working with QUIXOTIC WINDS

Due to copyright considerations, I can't post much but feel free to contact me to receive samples or examples of what I've done.