Custom Music, Show Design, and Clinics

I am committed to the concept of providing custom music arrangements and compositions to programs of all ability levels and instrumentation challenges.  Few bands have a winds section without restrictions on one part or another (i.e. clarinets have an issue playing above the break,  trumpets can't play above a G, etc.). We provide a comprehensive suite of music services tailored to meet the unique needs of band directors and artistic directors. Our focus is on collaboration, customization, and creating exceptional musical experiences.

Some of My Services

Arrangements & Compositions

As your marching/concert band arranger/composer, I create custom charts and originals with balanced voicing, achievable ranges, integrated percussion/electronics, and drill-sync moments—delivering high-impact, teachable, adjudicator-winning music tailored to your ensemble. One composer, total cohesion.

I am also available for concert band or wind ensemble commissions!

What will you get?

  • Flexible instrumentation
  • Ability-appropriate parts
  • Winds, brass, and even pit and battery music if you need them.
  • Revisions (within reason) throughout the season.
  • We can even talk state, regional, and national exclusivity if you want!

Show Design

As your all-in-one show design consultant, I streamline every phase: theme and narrative tailored to your band’s strengths; drill via Pyware/EnVision for precise, safe, high-impact visuals; music arrangements with balanced voicing and integrated features; guard choreography synced to drill/music with innovative equipment work; plus props, costumes, and rehearsal plans. One cohesive partner delivers a polished, competitive show—faster, smarter, championship-ready.

What will you get?

  • Collaborative approach to show design.
  • We can start as early as you like.  The more time to work out the kinks the better.
  • I'm more than happy to work with the director, drill designer, color guard designer...anyone involved with the design of the show.
  • I'm happy to provide ideas and concepts, but I really enjoy taking ideas and imagining them into something bigger and better!

Instruction and Clinics

I love guiding young musicians to reach their full potential through hands-on clinics in leadership, marching, and music. As a drum major for 11 years in high school and drum corps, I know exactly what it takes to step up, lead with confidence, and support your staff’s vision. I offer virtual or in-person clinics, mentorship, or instruction—whether for a single day or a full week. Let’s talk and inspire your students to shine!

What will you get?

  • Planned online instruction on any topic related to your program:  leadership, conducting, how to run sectional blocks, marching basics tips...anything you can think of.
  • Materials pre-delivered so that everyone is set and ready to go.
  • I will send the base curriculum to the director or whoever is in charge, and we can talk about how to customize it for your band.  Every band uses drum majors and student officers differently.  I want to make sure what I teach is consistent with your program.

Why Choose Chris Kilian Music?

I'm aware of how important it is to design shows that can be competitive, if that's what you're looking for, but also entertaining for the football crowd and the school administration.  I am more than capable of writing music in all genres and for all types of ensembles.

Whatever it takes for the success of the students!

Students Can Perform with Confidence and Pride

When a student is on the field performing and the show just "clicks," you can see the lightbulb go off!  They begin marching a little bit taller, playing a little bit louder at impacts, smiling with the other kids during water breaks, and more.  For me, that's what this is all about.  I became tired of all the doubling in box shows and safe writing for sections that really deserve to be challenged.  The season should be a journey of successes and failures...learning from both while building confidence and swagger.  Custom music, which can challenge each section based on their ability levels, is a great vehicle for students to grow as performers and musicians.  I never got better as a player in marching band.  That is why I do this.

Collaborative Approach

I value collaboration and work closely with band directors and artistic directors throughout the entire process, ensuring your vision is realized.

I do not enjoy writing in a bubble acting as a musical contractor, if you will.  While that may be my role, I prefer to work with the director or appointed staff creative team to bring the overall vision to life.  Everyone is more happy that way, and the students get the show they can truly be excited and proud to perform.