Pacific Youth Choir Series

Chris Maunu is a conductor, educator, composer, professional singer, and voice teacher. A GRAMMY® nominated educator, he is the newly appointed Artistic Director of the renowned Pacific Youth Choir in Portland, Oregon. He spent the previous 17 years as Director of Choral Activities at Arvada West High School in Colorado. A passionate advocate for music education, Mr. Maunu was named as a Finalist for the 2018, 2020, 2021, and 2022 GRAMMY® Music Educator of the Year Awards. He was also winner of the 2019 and 2020 CMA® National Music Teacher of Excellence Award. Choirs under Maunu’s direction have performed at 13 music conferences, including National and Regional ACDA. Maunu’s ensembles have won the American Prize in Choral Performance, as well as the Gold Diploma at the Rimini International Choral Competition in Italy.
​
Mr. Maunu was named the Colorado Community Media “2019 Best of the Best” Teacher. He also received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Northern State University where he delivered the 2018 Commencement Address. Chris was a recipient of a Commendation from the 71st House of Representatives for his work as a music educator.
​
Chris has enjoyed serving as a clinician for all state and honor choirs from Hawaii to England, including the National HS Honor Choir at 2025 National ACDA. Chris is also an accomplished composer, and his award winning compositions have been performed by choirs all over the world. He is the editor of the new “Pacific Youth Choir Choral Series” with Pavane Publishing.