User:Chris Keniley

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Chris Keniley was born on January 1st, 1983 and hails from the cornfields of Mattoon, Illinois. He is currently drummer for several Midwest Ensembles including Brad Brown and Friends, an active educator, co-owner of a consulting company, freelancer through "Kunelly Productions", and active in the Christian Music Ministry.

Near the twin lakes of a place called Troy, Illinois, CK unknowingly started his adventures that paved the path for the future. His family is very musically inclined, either a deep appreciation for the art or actively pursued at some point in their lives. CK's eldest sister was a drummer, and he would sneak onto her drum kit just to "bang" around for a bit. It was during this time his family moved to Mattoon, Illinois.

CK officially started with the enrollment into music programs at the elementary level, and his family made sure he would become a drummer. He continued to study the art of percussion through his directors, and fortunate to be given direction by his brother in law to be.

CK was faced with several challenges during the course of the early years into High School. He always appreciated having a challenge and grateful to all that kept his game up. During the course of High School, CK started gigging with groups including a jazz trio, and several school bands (marching, concert, jazz, etc.). During this period as well he began to teach lessons as a full time gig, coaching drumlines and marching in a top 12 Colts Drum and Bugle Corps. CK also received numerous awards for achievement and solo competitions earning him respect amongst his peers and community. Keniley developed many teaching strategies and performance styles, including the influences of Steve Smith, Steve Gadd, Tommy Igoe and even Animal from the muppet show.

CK continued his education through college at EIU under the Direction of Johny Lee Lane, and Illinois State under the Direction of David Collier. One of CK's greatest achievements to date is from Johny Lane himself "you played that piece like you wrote it." During this period CK's commercial playing, showmanship, classical and orchestral appreciation and composition skills started to take form. CK became very active in ensembles, teaching lessons,taking drumlines to a new level, and touring. CK also was featured on many concerts and earned many awards throughout his collegiate career.

Soon after college he joined several local ensembles including a project called "StillLine" which he holds dear to this day. He is one of the original drummers for this St. Louis based indie-rock project. During this period he recorded with different artists, tours, and developed his showmanship further. CK also performed as a show band drummer on several cruise ships backing up several quest entertainers including the legendary Eddie Holman and the world's fastest banjo player Morry Coleman.

After taking a break from touring and cruise ship work, CK joined up with "Full Circle - Gospel Music with a Twist!", which later became "Brad Brown and Friends", started helping out several music ministries in the Central Illinois area, and continues to help sub in or help groups start gigging. He is also active as a bass player, acoustic guitarist, and trumpet player.


[edit] Trivia

  • He plays with Pearl Drums,Zildjian cymbals, and uses Vic Firth drumsticks.
  • He was the one of several members from the original line-up of StillLine.
  • He went to college with the Dallas Cowboy's quarter back Tony Romano.
  • He is a co-owner of a consulting business in the transportation industry.
  • Traveled as a Show Band drummer for several cruise ships.
  • As well as being a drummer, he also plays guitar, bass guitar, Trumpet, Keyboard, and several other instruments.
  • Creates his own "stick bundles" or "doll rod" sticks for Brad Brown and Friends.

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