Music Education Changes Lives
Join CHSMPA in supporting excellence in music education in South Orange and Maplewood NJ.
Upcoming Events
-
RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP NOW
October 2026
CHSMPA memberships expired 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 support music at Columbia.
Renewal is quick and easy, and all membership fees directly fund the Music Program support CHSMPA provides to CHS music directors.
-
CATCH THE COUGAR MARCHING BAND PERFORMING ALL MONTH ACROSS NEW JERSEY
The Cougar Marching Band kicked off its 2026 Season tour at North Brunswick Twp High School on Oct 3, with a scorching, award-winning performance. You don’t want to miss the band’s field show, Club Fuego, so catch it at these upcoming events:North Brunswick High School, Oct 3
Pequannock High School, Oct 10
CHS Home Game at Underhill (Senior Night), Oct 16
Wayne Valley, Oct 17
Ridge High School, Oct 24
Hanover Park High School (Rescheduled), Oct 25
NJ State Championships, Robbinsville, Oct 31 -
MARCHING BAND CELEBRATES ITS SENIORS
Friday, October 16, 2026, 7PM
Underhill StadiumThe CHS community will celebrate the seniors in the band and color guard at Senior Night on October 16. The community will honor the band’s Class of 2027, some of whom have performed with the band for 5 years, at the beginning of halftime.
Come out and support the seniors! Let’s give these accomplished performers the love and support they’ve earned in service to SOMA!
SOMA Rocks Brings Down the House, Raises Funds
The Local Heroes band and CHSMPA welcomed a star-studded roster of Broadway talent to rock a sold-out crowd and raise over $18K for CHS Music Programs.
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).