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2026 ACDA Eastern Region Conference February 25-28, 2026 Providence, Rhode Island

The Superpower of the Chris Maunu is a conductor, educator, and
composer dedicated to inspiring young
Introverted Conductor singers and shaping the future of choral

music. He serves as artistic director of
Introverted conductors offer unique leadership gifts the Pacific Youth Choir and affiliate fac-
that can transform choral spaces into deeply inclusive, ulty at Portland State University. A four-time Grammy
human-centered communities. This session explores Music Educator finalist, his ensembles have performed
how introversion is a superpower, aligning with inclu- at numerous national and regional ACDA conferences,
sion values and envisioning a choral profession without earned the American Prize in Choral Performance, the
being limited by a narrow view of leadership models. Gold Diploma at the Rimini International Choral Com-
The Myers-Briggs Company reported in 2024 that petition, and more. Maunu conducted the 2025 ACDA
nearly 57 percent of the population are introverted. National 11-12 Honor Choir and is in demand national-
Participants will gain strategies for leveraging intro- ly/internationally as an all-state clinician, guest conduc-
verted strengths—deep listening, authentic connection, tor, and composer. He serves as the R&R chair for youth
and reflective artistry—to create choral environments choirs for NWACDA, editor of the Pacific Youth Choir
where every voice belongs. Series with Pavane, and is a published author.

CHORAL JOURNAL January 2026 Volume 66 Number 5 41