To promote and maintain an enthusiastic interest in all phases of the CHS Music Program and to facilitate and support its activities.

This is the CHSMPA mission.

SOMA Rocks 2026

That’s “Chizz-mippa”

The Columbia High School Music Parents Association (CHSMPA) is a non-profit organization formed with a single purpose—support music education at Columbia High School in Maplewood, New Jersey.

It is an all-volunteer group of dedicated parents and boosters that organizes and fundraises to help meet the needs of music programs and educators at Columbia.

With the support of parent members and treasured donors, CHSMPA helps bridge the gap between what’s in the budget and what our teachers really need.

You can help.

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Music Education Changes Lives

Study after study has shown that music education changes lives. Participation in music programs is a marker of future success in countless ways and leads to motivated, engaged and happy kids. Participation in high school music is linked with greater success in school and beyond: students in schools with music programs have been found to graduate at substantially higher rates (90.2% vs. 72.9%) and to attend school more regularly than those without such programs—factors strongly associated with long-term achievement.

Research also suggests music study builds teamwork, discipline, and problem-solving abilities that support persistence in college and careers, contributing to broader life success. Whether or not a music student at Columbia goes on to study music as a profession, their time learning, practicing and performing with CHS’s numerous ensembles gives them experiences and life skills that last forever. CHSMPA is here to maximize these experiences for students.

BeatFest 2025

How CHSMPA Helps

We Provide Funding

CHSMPA provides funding directly to music teachers. These funds cover things like instruments and equipment, which can be expensive. But CHSMPA funds also cover things like masterclasses with premiere professional musicians, travel expenses for clinics and competitions, and logistical needs (like food!).

100% of this money comes from CHSMPA fundraising activities—from membership drives and concessions to fundraisers and benefits—and donations from people who believe in the power of kids making music.

We Provide Support

Music events are complicated. We provide support—through our members’ many talents and through our infrastructure—to allow music ensembles and extracurriculars to fundraise, hold performances and create enriching experiences.

We Provide Help

Our music teachers are the best in the business. We’re happy to support the million-and-one needs that pop-up when coordinating a performing group of 100-200 kids. From donating water, to serving meals. From chaperoning to driving and unloading trucks, the members of CHSMPA help keep Columbia’s groups moving, so that our teachers can concentrate on getting them thriving and growing.