Music Education Changes Lives
Join CHSMPA in supporting excellent music education in South Orange and Maplewood NJ.
Restore Freshman Access to the Music Tech Program!!
June 18, 2026 The CHSMPA Board urges the SOMSD Board and administration to reconsider their recent decision to restrict Freshmen from enrolling in Music Tech and Music Theory. This decision limits students from building college-ready music portfolios, blocks a pathway to AP Music theory in 10th Grade for students who can’t afford private lessons, and effectively empties this program from the bottom up, at a time when it is newly certified as a 21st Century Skills program.
Upcoming Events
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MARCHING BAND REGISTRATION IS OPEN
2026 Season Preparation is Starting
Now is the time to register if you want to join the Pride of Columbia Cougar Marching Band. Preparation of the 2026 Season is under way as the detail readies its new field show. Sectional rehearsals have started!
Joining the Marching Band and Color Guard is a transformative experience for participants, and 2026 looks to be another banner year.
Get more information from Mr. Peter Bauer, director, here.
Registration closes July 1. Note returning members have to register, too.
The Prom is a Smashing Success!
Congratulations to the cast, crew and of course, the musicians in the pit!
Columbia High School Jazz Ensemble Performance
The Columbia High School Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Peter F. Bauer performed its annual concert on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at the South Orange Performing Arts Center. The performance included a fantastic selection of jazz standards including “Land of Make Believe", "Round Midnight” and “My Funny Valentine”. A highlight of the night was a set by “The Children of Sanchez”, a student-led combo helmed by Jackson Pellegrino, who also created the arrangements.
Photos courtesy of Julia Maloof Verderosa Photography.
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!