Experienced. Educational. Student-Focused.
Now accepting adjudication opportunities for the 2026 marching band season and beyond.
Christopher Keniley brings more than 25 years of experience in the marching arts as an educator, designer, instructor, performer, and adjudicator.
My approach to adjudication is straightforward: evaluate the performance in front of me and provide useful feedback that helps both students and directors grow.
I believe great adjudication should recognize achievement, identify opportunities for improvement, and provide commentary that students can understand and apply.
Adjudication Captions
Available to adjudicate:
- Music Performance
- Visual Performance
- General Effect
- Percussion
- Drum Major
- Individual & Ensemble Captions
My Adjudication Philosophy
Evaluate What Is Presented
Every ensemble has different goals, resources, experience levels, and programming choices.
My role as an adjudicator is not to redesign a band’s production or impose my own preferred style on the ensemble.
I evaluate what the students and staff have chosen to present, how effectively they communicate it, and the quality with which it is performed.
Feedback Students Can Use
Adjudication recordings aren’t only for directors.
Students listen to them too.
I strive to provide commentary that recognizes achievement while clearly identifying areas where performers can continue developing.
Feedback should be:
- Constructive – offering useful information rather than simply identifying problems.
- Educational – helping performers understand why something is or isn’t working.
- Specific – responding to what is happening in the performance.
- Respectful – remembering that students have invested countless hours preparing what is on the field.
- Caption-focused – evaluating the responsibilities of the assigned caption.
Experience in the Marching Arts
My background includes more than 25 years of involvement in marching band and the marching arts as an:
Educator • Adjudicator • Drill Designer • Music Arranger • Visual Designer • Percussion Instructor • Clinician • Performer
My experience ranges from working directly with developing school programs to competitive marching ensembles, giving me an understanding of the different resources, goals, and challenges programs encounter.
I am also an alumnus of the Colts Drum & Bugle Corps, performing with the organization from 1998–2001.
Through CK Marching Services, I continue to work with marching programs throughout Illinois and across the United States in drill design, music, visual design, percussion, clinics, camps, and consultation.
2026 Adjudication Schedule
September 19, 2026
Plainfield South Marching Band Invitational
Music Performance – Individual
October 17, 2026
Quincy Octoberfest Marching Band Competition
Visual Performance – Ensemble
Additional 2026 dates are currently available.
More Than a Score
Scores and placements are an important part of competition, but the lasting value of adjudication comes from the educational experience surrounding them.
My goal is for directors to receive an informed outside perspective while students hear feedback that recognizes their accomplishments and gives them something meaningful to take into their next rehearsal.
Evaluate with integrity. Recognize achievement. Encourage growth.
Interested in Having Me Adjudicate Your Event?
I am currently accepting adjudication opportunities for marching band competitions, festivals, and other performance events.
Christopher Keniley
CK Marching Services
Mattoon, Illinois
Phone: 217-232-3786
Email: info@ChrisKMusic.com
Website: ChrisKMusic.com