Guest artists

CHRIS MAUNU, GUEST CONDUCTOR

Chris Maunu is a conductor, educator, and composer dedicated to inspiring singers of all ages and shaping the future of choral music. He serves as Artistic Director of the acclaimed Pacific Youth Choir and Affiliate Faculty at the Portland State University School of Music. Previously, he led the award-winning choirs of Arvada West High School (CO) for 17 years.

A four-time GRAMMY® Music Educator of the Year Finalist and two-time CMA® Foundation National Music Teacher of Excellence, Chris has earned national recognition as a passionate advocate for transformative music education. Maunu has conducted choirs at 14 major conferences of National and Regional ACDA and American Music Educators Association events, and led the 2025 National ACDA Grade 11-12 Honor Choir. His ensembles have received honors including The American Prize in Choral Performance and a Gold Diploma at the Rimini, Italy International Choral Competition.

In demand as a guest conductor and clinician, Chris regularly leads All State, All Province and other Honor Choirs across North America and abroad. As a composer, his award-winning works are performed internationally, and he serves as editor of the Pacific Youth Choir Choral Series with Pavane Publishing. His writings appear in the ACDA Choral Journal and A Choral Conductor's Companion.

Chris has been honored with Colorado's "Best of the Best" Teacher Award, a U.S. House of Representatives Commendation, and the Distinguished Alumni Award from Northern State University, where he was the invited Commencement Speaker. He also co-founded the professional Anima Chamber Ensemble, recognized for its impeccable artistry and innovative community engagement initiatives.​