NEWS
Chris Maunu named National ACDA HS Mixed Honor Choir Conductor
3.19.25
I am thrilled to announce my invitation to conduct the National High School 11-12 Honor Choir at the 2025 National ACDA Conference in Dallas, Texas. The event takes place 3-19 through 3-22 of 2025.
Chris Maunu named Artistic Director of the Pacific Youth Choir
2.03.23
I am delighted to announce my appointment to the Pacific Youth Choir! Founded in 2003 by Mia Hall Miller, this Portland-based organization has built the reputation as one of the finest youth choruses in the United States.
Chris Maunu named GRAMMY Music Educator Award Finalist
12.14.21
It was an incredible honor to be once again named among the best music educators in the United States by the GRAMMYs. In December, I was honored to be named 1 of 10 Finalists out of over 1,000 nominees for the 2022 GRAMMY Music Educator of the Year Award. The award is presented by the Recording Academy and the Grammy Museum.
Chris Maunu named GRAMMY Music Educator Award Finalist
12.14.20
It was an incredible honor to be named among the best music educators in the United States by the GRAMMYs for the 3rd time. In December I was honored to be named 1 of 10 Finalists out of nearly 2,000 nominees for the 2021 GRAMMY Music Educator Award. The award is presented by the Recording Academy and the Grammy Museum.
Chris Maunu named GRAMMY Music Educator Award Finalist
1.9.20
It was an incredible honor to be once again named among the best music educators in the United States by the GRAMMYs. In January I was honored to be named 1 of 10 Finalists out of 3,300 nominees for the 2020 GRAMMY Music Educator Award. The award is presented by the Recording Academy and the Grammy Museum.
Chris Maunu wins 2nd CMA National Music Teacher of Excellence Award
5.4.20
I was so humbled to travel to a special red carpet event in Nashville, TN to receive the CMA National Music Teacher of Excellence Award in 2019. I was honored to be once again1 of 10 recipients at the national level to receive the 2020 award. This prestigious award recognizes music teachers of all levels K-12 who make a significant impact on students. The 2019 event was hosted by country superstar Dierks Bentley and the postponed 2020 event will be hosted by Kelsey Ballerini!
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Chris Maunu Finalist for GRAMMY Music Educator Award
1.28.18
It was an incredible honor to be named among the best music educators in the United States. I was 1 of 10 Finalists (and 1 of 2 choral directors) out of 2,300 nominees to be named a Finalist for the 2018 GRAMMY Music Educator Award at the 60th Grammy Awards in New York City. The award is presented by the Recording Academy and the Grammy Museum.
Arvada West High School premieres choral piece on School Shootings
5.10.19
In the days following the devastation of the Parkland, Florida shooting there was a threat written on one of the walls of our own school bathrooms. Although the threat was eventually dismissed, the fear and sadness was deeply felt. The AWHS choir room quickly became a place to share all of those incredibly difficult feelings for the students. One of our own Arvada West Choir students (Taylor Huntley) wrote a poem that addressed the trauma felt through all of this bloodshed and shared with the choir. We were all moved to tears. I asked my friend and composer Andrea Ramsey to set this beautiful poem to music and it was completed approximately 1 year after the Parkland shooting. We were set to perform this new composition May 9, 2019. Just two days before the premiere, there was another fatal school shooting just 20 miles away at the STEM school in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. No matter how often this happens, we can't allow ourselves to view this as normal. We can change.
Arvada West High School Vocal Showcase performs at National ACDA
3.10.17
It was an incredible honor to conduct my high school mixed choir (Vocal Showcase) at National ACDA! The choir was selected as 1 of 2 high school mixed concert choirs in the United States to perform at the nation's most prestigious choral event, held once every two years.
Chris Maunu Receives Distinguished Alumni Award for Northern State University
and Delivers Commencement Address
5.4.18
Speaking at a university commencement was something I never expected, but it was one of the most special moments of my life. I graduated from NSU 15 years ago. It was the place I truly found my love for music and decided that I would make a career out of it. I am so grateful for my time at NSU and glad that I was able to give back in a small way!
Arvada West Vocal Showcase wins the American Prize in Choral Performance
6.19.18
It was incredibly humbling to hear that Arvada West High School's Vocal Showcase choir was named WINNER of the American Prize! This prestigious national contest featured many incredible ensembles from around the United States.
