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.
Student Groups Present First “Live at the Library” Band Showcase
MIC and MSC presented its inaugural student band showcase on December 4, featuring 10 CHS bands.
Excelsior Singers Bring Cheer to SOMSD Board Meeting
The Excelsior Singers, under the direction of Mr. Nicholas Diaz, opened the SOMSD November Board of Education meeting with a brief but beautiful performance. They set a joyful tone for the evening as the holiday concert season gets underway.
Cougar Marching Band Wraps Up Stunning Season
The Cougar Marching Band presented its moving field show, Let It Be, at State Championships, wrapping up an incredible season.
FUNDED: CHSMPA Helps CHS Purchase New Truck for Cougar Marching Band
CHSMPA chipped in with CHS to purchase the Cougar Marching Band a new truck to move its equipment all over the district (and to compete all over NJ).
