Music Education Changes Lives
Join CHSMPA in supporting excellence in music education in South Orange and Maplewood NJ.
Upcoming Events
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RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP NOW
August 2026
CHSMPA memberships expire on August 31. We need as many members of the community to stay engaged and renew as members for the 2026-27 school year—your membership is more important than ever! Renew now to stay in the loop on everything music at Columbia.
Renewal is quick and easy, and all of your contributions go directly to the Music Program.
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SUPPORT THE MARCHING BAND AT PORCHFEST!
Sunday, September 6th
The Marching Band will be hosting its first big fundraiser as it provides refreshment at a perennial SOMA favorite, Porchfest! Come by the band’s concessions tent to cool off as you enjoy the community’s talent, while also supporting the band.
Visit the band’s Lemonade Stand at Porch #22 (see the map) for fresh lemonade, water, or iced coffee! All proceeds go to the Marching Band.
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MARCHING BAND 2026 TOUR SEASON KICKS OFF SEPTEMBER 26
Saturday, September 26
Hanover Park High SchoolThe Cougar Marching band is proud to announce its 2026 Season tour, where it will perform its field show, Club Fuego, in competition against other schools across New Jersey. Catch the Cougars at these stops:
Hanover Park High School, Sept 26
North Brunswick High School, Oct 3
Pequannock High School, Oct 10
Wayne Valley, Oct 17
Ridge High School, Oct 24
NJ State Championships, Robbinsville, Oct 31Check out the USBands Website for information and tickets.
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!