Christopher McManus recently retired from Dublin City Schools in Ohio after a 33-year career in elementary general music education. He specialized in combining the best attributes of Kodàly, Orff and Dalcroze methodologies to provide a well-rounded and joy-filled musical experience to all of his students. 

McManus earned his Bachelor of Music degree from Capital University (Columbus, Ohio), where he studied with Sandra Mathias and James Swearingen. While at Capital, he sang with the famed Chapel Choir, under the direction of Lynda Hasseler. He was selected to be among the first undergraduate students to study abroad at the Kodàly Institute in Kecskemèt, Hungary.

He later completed his Kodày levels training at Capital, earning a Master's in Music Education with Kodàly Emphasis. McManus has also completed Level I and Level II coursework in Orff-Schulwerk. He has been a member of the Central Ohio Chapter of the Orff-Schulwerk Association for over twenty years, and served as a board member for many of those years.

Since 1999, McManus has led a dynamic music ministry at King Avenue United Methodist Church in Columbus, directing vocal and handbell choirs of all ages. He has served as guest conductor at several handbell festivals. In 2025, he was invited as guest conductor of the 100-voice West Ohio Annual Conference Massed Choir. From 1992–1999, he served as Assistant Director of the All-Ohio Youth Choir and Cardinal Chorale, leading multiple concerts each day at the Ohio State Fair.

Chris McManus received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Capital University in 2024.