Chris Munce is a highly regarded choir director, conductor, and educator in the choral music community. He has worked with a variety of choirs, from youth ensembles to professional groups, and is currently the director of Kantorei KC, a professional choir based in Kansas City. Munce has also been a choral director at Lee’s Summit High School for 18 years, where he has made a significant impact on the school’s music program.
In addition to his work as a choral director, Munce is the host of the Choralosophy podcast, which explores the art and science of choral music. The podcast has been the world’s top-rated choir podcast for over four years and is among the top-performing arts podcasts. Through the podcast, Munce has shared his expertise and insights with a wide audience and has become a sought-after clinician and speaker.
Munce holds a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music and Dance and has presented at conferences and workshops across the country. His dedication to excellence in choral music, his passion for innovation and collaboration, and his commitment to education and mentorship make him a valuable leader and contributor to the choral community.
Media reviews of his directed recordings with Kantorei KC include praise from the KC Star for “Music and Sweet Poetry” for its “lush and full bodied sound…gorgeous singing.” The Observer (London) called “To Bethlehem” one of the best Choral albums of the year and “the most interesting festive album.” He has also performed with the Simon Carrington Chamber Singers, and the Grammy Winning Kansas City Chorale. Chris was fortunate to be a part of the Chorale’s Grammy Nominated album, “Rheinberger: Sacred Choral Works.”
Chris received a Bachelor’s of Music Education and a Master’s Degree in Choral Conducting from the UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance. His graduate research focus was the performance practice of early Baroque choral singing in the French and Italian styles. Chris has studied with Eph Eely, Charles Robinson, Ryan Board, William Dehning, Peter Bagley and Jerry McCoy. He also served as adjunct faculty at the Conservatory teaching choral arranging, and at Blue River Community College as a professor of voice.
He has been an active private voice instructor since 1999. Last year Chris launched the Choralosophy Podcast which has quickly become a top rated Fine Arts Podcast reaching the top 25 on the iTunes charts in the US. Chris is married to Beth, a soprano and voice teacher. They live in Lee’s Summit, Missouri with their two children, Clara (14) and Colin (10).
Hello Chris–I’ve written a short book about practicing choral music outside of regular rehearsals, and at the end I include a quotation from the podcast episode you did with Anthony Silvestri. If you would like a free e-book version of it, drop me an e-mail at debisimons@gmail.com and I’ll send you the links.