Music Education Changes Lives
Join CHSMPA in supporting excellent music education in South Orange and Maplewood NJ.
Upcoming Events
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CHS JAZZ ENSEMBLE AT SOPAC
Wednesday, February 18, 7:00 PM
The Columbia Jazz Ensemble’s annual gala performance at SOPAC is a musical highlight of the year. Thanks to the generous support of the CHS Cougar Boosters and SOPA’s Arts in Education program, the ensemble has had the opportunity to study with jazz greats throughout the year in preparing for this special performance.
Don’t miss this outstanding night.
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SAVE THE DATE: BEATFEST 2026
Thursday, May 28
Ritzer FieldBeatFest, the student-run, freeform student music showcase, will return to Ritzer Field this Spring on Thursday, May 28.
Mark the date and watch this space for ticket sales, so you can experience this unique festival in our school’s own backyard and support SOMA’s talented student musicians.
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SOMA ROCKS
Saturday, January 24
Doors Open 7:30 PMSorry, but the show is Sold Out and the Waitlist is Closed. No Tickets will be sold at the door.
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.
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!