Chris Maunu is a conductor, educator, and composer based in Portland, Oregon. He serves as the Artistic Director of the acclaimed Pacific Youth Choir, Affiliate Faculty at the Portland State University School of Music, and Artistic Director of the professional ensemble Choro in Schola. Chris spent 17 years as the Director of Choirs at Arvada West High School in Colorado, where he left a legacy of expanding the boundaries of what young singers can achieve.

 

A four-time GRAMMY® Music Educator of the Year Finalist and a two-time recipient of the CMA® Foundation National Music Teacher of Excellence Award, Chris is a passionate advocate for music education. Choirs under his direction have received national and international recognition, performing at over a dozen conferences, including National and Regional ACDA events. His ensembles have earned such honors as the American Prize in Choral Performance, the Gold Diploma at the Rimini International Choral Competition, and much more.

 

In high demand as a guest clinician, Chris regularly leads All-State and Honor Choirs across the U.S. and internationally, including the upcoming High School Mixed Honor Choir at the 2025 National ACDA Conference. As a composer, his award-winning works have been performed by choirs around the globe. He serves as the editor of the Pacific Youth Choir Choral Series with Pavane Publishing. An active member of NAfME and ACDA, Chris is the NWACDA Chair for Children and Community Youth Choirs. He is a contributing author to A Choral Conductor's Companion and has published numerous articles in the Choral Journal. Chris frequently presents at both the local and national level.

 

Throughout his career, Chris has garnered recognition for his significant contributions to the field. He was named Colorado’s “Best of the Best” Teacher and received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Northern State University, where he also delivered the Commencement Address. Maunu was honored with a Commendation from the House of Representatives for his impact in the classroom. He co-founded and directed the professional Anima Chamber Ensemble for seven years. In addition to the utmost choral artistry, Anima inspired thousands of public school students through a unique community engagement mission.

 

Chris holds degrees from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northern State University. Most importantly, he cherishes time with his wife, Aleisha, and their two children, Bodhi and Astraea. For more information, visit chrismaunu.com.

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