A Choralosophy first. A podcast, with a guest, recorded in my car. Chris Maunu and I riding to the airport, discussing how our roles change, or don’t… when leading classroom ensembles verses community based ensembles of young people. To what degree does our role as an “educator” shift?
In this engaging conversation, Chrises Munce and Maunu explore the nuances of choir education, reflecting on their recent experiences at a choir camp in Kansas City, and discussing the differences between school and community choirs. They delve into the challenges posed by the pandemic on music education, the importance of student engagement, and the ways community programs like Kantorei Summer Choral Institute and Pacific Youth Choir in Portland can enrich school programs, and be enriched by them. The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of music education and the strategies educators can employ to inspire and connect with their students.
Also, don’t miss Chris’ recent Choralosophy Community blog contribution on Storytelling via Repertoire choices over on Choralosophy.Substack.com
🎧 Tune in now on YouTube or your favorite podcast app!
Tune in, and have your thinking stimulated and challenged. Then, weigh in yourself with your related ideas and experiences on Facebook in the Choralosophers group or over on choralosophy.substack.com Also, don’t forget to grab a reading rope for your classroom wall from the shop! Music Reading Rope
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For future rehearsal clips, find me on TikTok, Insta and FB!
Chris Maunu is a conductor, educator, and composer dedicated to inspiring young singers and shaping the future of choral music. Based in Portland, Oregon, he serves as Artistic Director of the acclaimed Pacific Youth Choir, Affiliate Faculty at Portland State University, and Artistic Director of the professional ensemble Choro in Schola. Previously, he spent 17 years as Director of Choirs at Arvada West High School in Colorado, where he expanded the boundaries of what young singers can achieve.
A four-time GRAMMY® Music Educator of the Year Finalist and two-time CMA® Foundation National Music Teacher of Excellence honoree, Chris is a passionate advocate for music education. Choirs under his direction have received national and international acclaim, performing at over a dozen major conferences, including National and Regional ACDA events. His ensembles have earned prestigious honors such as the American Prize in Choral Performance and the Gold Diploma at the Rimini International Choral Competition.
In high demand as a guest conductor and clinician, Chris is in demand as an All-State and Honor Choir clinician across the U.S. and internationally. He recently conducted the 2025 National 11-12 HS Honor Choir at the National ACDA Conference in Dallas, TX to great acclaim. As a composer, his award-winning works have been performed worldwide. He also serves as editor of the Pacific Youth Choir Choral Series with Pavane Publishing. An active member of NAfME and ACDA, Chris is the NWACDA Chair for Community Youth Choirs and frequently presents at both the regional and national levels. His writings appear in the Choral Journal, and he is a contributing author to A Choral Conductor’s Companion.
Throughout his career, Chris has received many accolades for his contributions to the field of choral music. He was named Colorado’s “Best of the Best” Teacher, honored with a Commendation from the House of Representatives, and received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Northern State University, where he later delivered the Commencement Address. He also co-founded and directed the professional Anima Chamber Ensemble for seven years, inspiring thousands of public school students through its 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.
@choralosophypodca
