Dr. Mark Nabholz serves Director of Music at Trinity Presbyterian Church, Montgomery. Prior to joining Trinity’s staff in 2021, he was Associate Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities at Mississippi College. In addition to conducting the nationally recognized MC Singers, he taught conducting and choral literature at the undergraduate and graduate levels and led the graduate program in Choral Conducting. Recorded performances with the MC Singers may be viewed online at pbs.org/show/Mississippi-college-festival-lights/ or on YouTube at bit.ly/MCSingers.
During his time in Mississippi Dr. Nabholz also was Artistic Director for The Mississippi Chorus, a 100-voice civic organization that maintains a busy performance schedule of major choral works with orchestra, including regular collaborations with the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra; and the Mississippi Master Chorale, an auditioned adult ensemble drawn from the membership of The Mississippi Chorus.
Dr. Nabholz holds degrees from the University of South Carolina (D.M.A.), the Eastman School of Music (M.M.), and Houghton College (B.Mus.). His major teachers include Larry Wyatt, Don Neuen, and Donald Bailey. He is an active member of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA), having served on state boards in South Carolina and Mississippi, and the National Collegiate Choral Organization (NCCO), where he served as Chief Editor of Publications and National Executive Board member. He currently serves as Community Choirs Coordinator on the Alabama ACDA board.
Mark and his wife, Fran, have four adult children, four grandchildren, and several backyard chickens.
Chris Mauna Headliner Conference Clinician
Chris Maunu is a conductor, educator, and composer dedicated to inspiring singers of all ages and shaping the future of choral music. He serves as Artistic Director of the acclaimed Pacific Youth Choir and Affiliate Faculty at the Portland State University School of Music. Previously, he led the award-winning choirs of Arvada West High School (CO) for 17 years.
A four-time GRAMMY® Music Educator of the Year Finalist and two-time CMA® Foundation National Music Teacher of Excellence, Chris has earned national recognition as a passionate advocate for transformative music education. Maunu has conducted choirs at 14 major conferences of National and Regional ACDA and Music Educators Association events, and led the 2025 National ACDA 11-12 Honor Choir. His ensembles have received honors including The American Prize in Choral Performance and a Gold Diploma at the Rimini International Choral Competition. In demand as a guest conductor and clinician, Chris regularly leads All-State and Honor Choirs nationwide and abroad. As a composer, his award-winning works are performed internationally, and he serves as editor of the Pacific Youth Choir Choral Series with Pavane Publishing. His writings appear in the Choral Journal and A Choral Conductor's Companion. Chris has been honored with Colorado's "Best of the Best" Teacher Award, a House of Representatives Commendation, and the Distinguished Alumni Award from Northern State University, where he later delivered the Commencement Address. He also co-founded the professional Anima Chamber Ensemble, recognized for its impeccable artistry and innovative community engagement.
