Music Education Changes Lives
Join CHSMPA in supporting excellent music education in South Orange and Maplewood NJ.
Upcoming Events
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Cougar Marching Band Storms State Championships
Saturday, November 1
The “Pride of Columbia” Marching Band will conclude its competitive tour at the U.S. Bands NJ State Championships November 1st, in Robbinsville Township, NJ. Come out and support your band as over 85 talented Cougar performers present their timely and evocative field show, Let It Be, featuring the sounds of The Beatles.
Buy tickets online in advance using the code “Columbia25” and a big portion of your purchase will be rebated to our band as a fundraiser!
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Save the Date: SOMA Rocks 2026
Saturday, January 24, 2026
The Local Heroes Band presents the annual SOMA Rocks singer showcase benefit concert to support Columbia High School Music Programs.
SOMA Rocks is more than just a fundraiser for CHSMPA; it's a celebration of our community's talent and a night filled with incredible music and camaraderie. Each January, the Local Heroes Band invites its talented neighbors from the South Orange and Maplewood community to perform with the band as guest vocalists.
More Information Coming Soon
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Cougar Marching Band Tours New Jersey with The Beatles’ “Let It Be”
The Marching Band continues its competitive circuit throughout October, culminating at NJ State Championships in November. Come out and support your band as it strives for excellence with its evocative 2025 Field Show, Let It Be, featuring the sounds of The Beatles. The Cougars take the field at:
North Brunswick Township High School, October 4
Somerville High School, October 11
Hillsborough High School, October 25
New Jersey State Championships, November 1
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Get more information here, and join the band for an amazing day of music sport and pageantry arts.
Columbia High School Choir Brings Music to the Community!
On Sunday, February 9th, talented students from Columbia High School’s Tenor Bass Choir and Excelsior Choir, led by Nicholas Diaz, shared the gift of music at a special private performance for senior residents at the Newstead Apartment complex in South Orange. Their heartfelt voices and harmonies created a beautiful moment of connection and joy for the community.
Click to watch the video!
SOMA Rocks 5 Sells Out!
SOMA Rocks 5 was a rousing success! We raised more than $26,000 to support music programs at CHS.
A huge shout out to The Local Heroes, who make the music happen year after year! To our Broadway performers: you brought the house down! Thank you as well to all of our sponsors, volunteers, donors, and ticket-buyers! Thank you to CHSMPA members and the greater South Orange Maplewood community for all of your continued support!
And finally.... let's give it up for the amazing CHS acapella groups -- Noteworthy and Unaccompanied Minors. They showcased the talent, pride and passion of the performing arts at CHS. They are a reminder of why we all came together on this magical night!
Contact Us
Email
chsmpa.org@gmail.com