Music Education Changes Lives

Join CHSMPA in supporting excellent music education in South Orange and Maplewood NJ.

Upcoming Events

  • SPRING CONCERT SEASON BEGINS

    Columbia High School Auditorium

    Columbia’s concert ensembles will be presenting their Spring Concerts beginning the end of April.

    Join the hundreds of students who have been perfecting their crafts with our Orchestra, Choral and Band directors since September, as they present a challenging and spirited range of selections.

    Orchestra Concert — April 28, 7:00 PM
    Percussion Ensemble — April 30, 7:00 PM
    Band Concert — May 20, 7:00 PM
    Choral Concert — June 4, 7:00 PM

    Suggested donation for all concerts is $5. All donations support music at Columbia.

  • 2026 MARCHING BAND OPEN HOUSE

    New Date: Monday, May 18, 2026, 6:00-8:00 PM
    Columbia High School Cafeteria

    The incredible directors and staff of The Pride of Columbia Marching Band are already planning a tremendous program for the Fall Season. 

    Interested in joining the band or color guard? Join Director Peter Bauer and current detail members at the Marching Band Open House. Also featured will be the much-anticipated reveal of the 2026 field show. 

    This event is open to CHS Students, SOMS and MMS 8th Graders and their Families.

  • BEATFEST 2026 IS HERE!

    Thursday, May 28, 4:30 PM
    Ritzer Field

    BeatFest, the student-run, freeform student music showcase, returns to Ritzer Field on Thursday, May 28.

    Tickets are on sale now—$5 for students and $15 for adults. Buy now so you can experience this unique festival in our school’s own backyard and support SOMA’s talented student musicians. Get more information here.

Jazz Band Takes SOPAC Stage in Finale Concert
Ken Kraemer Ken Kraemer

Jazz Band Takes SOPAC Stage in Finale Concert

The Columbia Jazz Band burned down the house at SOPAC on February 18, performing two sets of greats and standards for a near-sold-out crowd. It was the culmination of the ensemble’s season, which included mentoring from visiting Jazz legends.

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